Energy – Government Assures Fertiliser Supply and Power Stability Amid Crisis
Energy – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed concerns in Parliament regarding the potential impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict on India’s agriculture and energy sectors. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he stated that the government has taken sufficient steps to ensure the availability of fertilisers and maintain stable electricity production as the country heads into the summer season.
Government Highlights Preparedness for Agriculture Sector
Responding to rising concerns over fertiliser imports, the Prime Minister emphasized that Indian farmers would not face shortages. He noted that the country currently has strong food reserves, thanks to consistent agricultural output. According to him, preparations are in place to support the upcoming Kharif sowing season without disruption.
He further added that the government has historically shielded farmers from the impact of global disruptions. Over the past decade, India has significantly increased domestic fertiliser production capacity. Six new urea plants have become operational during this period, contributing an additional 76 lakh metric tonnes to the country’s output.
Concerns Over Fertiliser Imports from West Asia
The reassurance comes amid uncertainty in global supply chains, particularly because India relies heavily on imports from West Asia for key fertilisers. Earlier this month, QatarEnergy announced a temporary halt in the production of several downstream products, including urea, methanol, and polymers, due to the ongoing regional conflict.
These developments had raised questions about potential shortages in India. However, the government maintains that contingency measures are in place to manage supply disruptions and ensure farmers have access to necessary inputs.
Power Demand Expected to Rise with Summer
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding electricity generation as temperatures begin to rise across the country. He stated that adequate coal reserves are currently available at power plants nationwide, which should help meet the anticipated increase in electricity demand.
With summer approaching, energy consumption typically rises due to cooling needs in both urban and rural areas. The government has taken steps to ensure that power generation remains uninterrupted during this period.
Steps Taken to Reduce Dependence on Fuel Imports
Highlighting long-term strategies, the Prime Minister pointed to initiatives such as ethanol blending in fuel and railway electrification. These measures have contributed to reducing India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
According to official estimates, ethanol blending alone has helped save the equivalent of approximately 4.5 crore barrels of oil annually. Similarly, the expansion of railway electrification has significantly lowered diesel consumption, avoiding the need for an additional 180 crore litres of fuel each year.
Urban transport infrastructure has also seen rapid growth. The country’s metro network, which stood at less than 250 kilometres in 2014, has now expanded to over 1,100 kilometres, further reducing dependence on conventional fuel.
Diversification of Energy Sources Strengthens Supply
The government has also focused on diversifying its energy import sources to improve resilience. Over the past 11 years, India has expanded its supplier base from 27 countries to 41 countries for crude oil, LNG, and LPG.
In addition, refining capacity within the country has increased considerably. Officials remain in regular contact with global suppliers to ensure uninterrupted access to oil and gas. Efforts are also being made to maintain the safety of critical maritime routes.
The Prime Minister mentioned that several Indian vessels that were previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have recently returned safely, indicating ongoing diplomatic coordination and logistical management.
Conflict in West Asia Raises Global Concerns
The current situation follows escalating tensions in West Asia that began in late February. The conflict has disrupted key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital passage for global energy supplies. These developments have had ripple effects on international markets and raised concerns about economic stability worldwide.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding domestic interests. It continues to monitor global developments closely while taking steps to ensure that essential sectors such as agriculture and energy remain stable.