‘Fuel prices stable for four years’:Petroleum Minister Puri speaks at Vibrant Gujarat Conference in Surat; Singapore proposes data centres in GIFT City

India’s economic resilience and the regional expansion plans of Gujarat remained the talking point on 1 May at the inaugurational day of the third Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri anchored the dialogue, stating that despite global supply chain disruptions and rising crude prices, India’s petrol and diesel prices have remained unchanged for over four years. By avoiding the sharp increases seen in neighboring countries, this stability provides a highly reliable, inflation-resistant baseline for long-term industrial investments. Inflow of foreign capital in Gujarat Foreign delegates at the conference, in a series of meetings with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, mentioned capitalising on the state’s ease of doing business policy. Japan’s Ambassador Ono Keiichi explored semiconductor, bulk drug, and medical device partnerships, also mentioning the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway that has cut the airport transit to 1.5 hours. Singapore’s High Commissioner Simon Wong projected GIFT City as a future USD-INR bond hub, proposing immediate development in data centers and AI fintech sandboxes. Furthermore, Rwanda’s High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira discussed a reciprocal trade delegation, noting that Gujaratis already manage most Indian industries operating in Rwanda. Surat growth engine story CM Patel unveiled NITI Aayog’s master plan driving Surat to grow twentyfold by 2047, projecting it to capture over 35% of the state’s GSDP. To decentralise this growth across South Gujarat, six economic master plans covering 20 priority sectors are being drafted for Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Dang, and Bharuch. The state is launching eight new Smart GIDCs spanning 5,380 acres. Validating this industrial capacity, Union Minister CR Patil noted Surat steel built the Chenab Rail Bridge, while Hazira artillery bolsters national defense. Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi reinforced this momentum, citing ₹5,619 crore in recent business incentives and expecting Surat to shatter the MoU records set by the previous Mehsana and Rajkot VGRCs. VGRC’s other highlights Seminars at Auro University mapped out critical supply chain shifts. Ag-Tech panels focused on substituting potash and phosphatic imports with domestic urea and nano-fertilizers. Energy discussions detailed plans to scale India’s nuclear power capacity from 3% to 100GW by 2047, leveraging Gujarat-based Kakrapar’s active 700MW reactors. Additionally, State Minister Jayram Gamit allocated ₹125 crore for Ukai rural tourism, while further panels championed chemical industry transformation and inclusive growth via the “Nari Shakti Vandan” seminar.