Malhotra's warning comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the nation to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption and avoid purchasing gold for one year to preserve forex reserves.
Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defends the Prime Minister’s call for austerity, describing it as a visionary roadmap for economic stability. He warns that if global conflicts persist, the government may be forced to implement strict fiscal measures to contain rising economic strain and protect the national budget.
Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri discusses the impact of the West Asia crisis on India’s energy sector. He highlights that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are losing ₹1,000 crore daily, with one quarter of losses potentially wiping out $28 billion in annual profits. Despite this, OMCs continue to absorb hits to keep consumers insulated from global price hikes. The Minister outlines the "war room" strategies used to ensure no fuel shortages across the country.
Amidst the West Asia crisis, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addresses speculation regarding post-election fuel hikes. While acknowledging market volatility, he clarifies that pricing decisions remain independent of the election cycle. Puri also discusses OMCs ramping up LPG capacity and the mounting under-recoveries national oil companies are facing.
'We strategically hold enough energy for 74 days, and continue to further expand our capacity,' says Hardeep Puri
Fuel Prices Steady Despite Crisis, Says Hardeep Singh Puri Amid Global Tensions
In a decisive move amid a global energy crisis, the Government of India has slashed special additional excise duties on petrol and diesel while removing taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for domestic flights. The decision aims to ease pressure on oil marketing companies and delay a potential spike in fuel prices triggered by soaring crude oil rates due to escalating tensions in West Asia. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called it a calibrated step to balance consumer relief and energy security, while Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri acknowledged the significant fiscal cost. However, the move has rattled markets—bond yields have surged, equities slipped, and the rupee weakened. With Centre stepping in, all eyes are now on states to cut VAT on fuels.
Petrol and diesel pump prices held steady; export levies hiked to secure domestic supply
As the flow of the most traded commodity globally gets hit, global crude oil prices are on the rise
The LPG shortage crisis has now exploded into a political confrontation inside Parliament. Opposition parties cornered the government in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of failing to anticipate the cooking gas shortage affecting households across India. Dramatic scenes unfolded as Trinamool Congress MPs staged a protest inside the House, banging utensils — including plates, spoons and frying pans — to highlight the growing crisis. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the government, alleging failures in policy and governance. Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed the claims, calling reports of a shortage “rumour mongering” and urging calm. With protests rocking Parliament and political leaders across states raising concerns, the LPG crisis has now become the latest flashpoint between the government and the opposition.
The government has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states over and above the regular quota of one lakh kilolitres for household use




