PM to meet CMs today amid Iran conflict:Modi urges unity like Covid era, says country must stay prepared together

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers on March 27. Discussions may focus on the worsening situation following the Iran war. Chief ministers from election-bound states will not take part. Modi said in the Rajya Sabha on March 24 that if the Iran war continues, it could have serious consequences. He added that the coming period could be a major test, similar to the Corona crisis. The Centre and states will need to work together. Meanwhile, the government today rejected reports of petrol, diesel and gas shortages. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India has enough petrol and diesel reserves for 60 days, regardless of global developments. The government described shortage claims on social media as propaganda aimed at triggering panic buying. The ministry warned that action will be taken against those spreading such rumours. March 25: Jaishankar says India is not a ‘broker nation’ like Pakistan External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at an all-party meeting that India is not a broker country like Pakistan and does not mediate for others. He was responding to Congress leader Tariq Anwar, who said Pakistan was acting as a mediator while India remained silent. March 24: Modi in Rajya Sabha – The coming time is the biggest test In the Rajya Sabha, Narendra Modi said that if the US-Israel war with Iran continues, it will have negative consequences. He stressed that the coming period will be a major test for the country and called for cooperation between the Centre and states, working together as “Team India”. March 23: Modi in Lok Sabha – India imports oil and gas from 41 countries In his first public statement on the West Asia conflict in the Lok Sabha, Narendra Modi said tensions must end, and dialogue is the only solution. He said attacks on civilians and power plants are unacceptable and warned that blocking the Strait of Hormuz would not be acceptable. He also noted that India imports oil and gas from 41 countries. Government steps on LPG situation March 6: A 21-day gap was introduced for booking domestic LPG cylinders (the second cylinder can only be booked 21 days after the first). March 9: Due to rising demand, the gap was increased to 25 days in cities. March 12: In rural areas, the booking gap was extended to 45 days. March 14: The Ministry of Petroleum made it illegal for PNG (piped gas) users to keep LPG cylinders. Those with PNG connections must surrender their cylinders and cannot refill them. Oil and gas supply affected due to Iran war Today marks the 27th day of the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The conflict has disrupted oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. India imports about 50% of its crude oil and 54% of its LNG through this route. Around 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through it. Due to safety concerns, the route is currently considered unsafe, and oil tankers are not passing through it.