Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday dismissed rumours about a possible lockdown in India. He clearly said that the government is not considering any such plan.
At a time of global uncertainty, the government asked people to stay calm. It also warned that spreading such rumours is “irresponsible and harmful”.
Clarification Comes Amid Global Crisis
Puri made this statement after speculation grew following recent global developments. His clarification came soon after the government reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel. This move was linked to disruptions in global energy supply due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
In a post on X, he said that the global situation is still changing rapidly. He added, “we are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis.”
He further said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the government is taking all necessary steps. The aim is to ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel, energy, and other essential goods.
Puri also assured that India is ready to deal with any challenges. He said, “India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner.”
Lockdown Rumours Linked to PM Modi’s Speech
The confusion about a possible lockdown increased after PM Modi’s recent speech in Parliament. In his address, he spoke about the crisis in West Asia linked to the Iran-US tensions.
Soon after, many social media posts claimed that he hinted at a lockdown. This led to a surge in online searches like “Is lockdown coming back to India” and “India lockdown news”.
However, the Prime Minister did not mention lockdown at all. He only referred to the Covid-19 period to highlight how India handled a global crisis. He asked people to stay “prepared and united, just as it had stood together during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Why the Confusion Spread
The rumours appear to have spread due to concerns about LPG supply and fuel-saving steps taken by some countries.
The timing also added to the confusion. On March 24, India marked six years since the nationwide lockdown in 2020. Around the same time, discussions about another lockdown gained traction, even though there is no major Covid-19 threat now.
Fuel Duty Cut Brings Relief
Meanwhile, the government announced a major relief measure to control rising fuel prices. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic use has been reduced by ₹10 per litre each.
At the same time, the government imposed export duties to ensure sufficient supply within the country. Diesel exports will attract â‚ą21.5 per litre duty, while Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports will face â‚ą29.5 per litre duty.
Sitharaman said, “This will provide protection to consumers from rise in prices. Hon. PM @narendramodi has always ensured that citizens are protected from vagaries of supply and costs of essential goods.”