EnergyImports – Congress Questions Rising Fuel Import Dependence Under Modi Government

EnergyImports – The Congress party on Friday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what it described as a steady rise in India’s dependence on imported crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas. The opposition argued that the trend runs contrary to the government’s repeated emphasis on self-reliance in the energy sector.

Import Dependence Figures Highlighted by Opposition

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed to official data to underline the issue. According to him, India’s crude oil import dependence increased from 84 percent in 2014–15 to nearly 90 percent in 2024–25. He also noted that LPG imports rose significantly during the same period, from 46 percent to 62 percent.

Ramesh argued that these figures contradict the government’s stated goal of achieving self-sufficiency. He said that despite the repeated use of the term self-reliance in policy discussions, the country’s reliance on foreign energy sources has continued to grow.

Questions Raised Over Natural Gas Developments

The Congress leader also referred to earlier claims related to natural gas discoveries. He recalled that in 2005, Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, had announced a major gas discovery in the Krishna-Godavari basin, describing it as a step toward energy independence.

Ramesh alleged that subsequent reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General between 2011 and 2016 raised concerns about the project. He claimed that the findings pointed to financial irregularities and eventually led to the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation being merged with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in 2017.

Panic Buying Concerns Amid Regional Tensions

The political exchange comes at a time when reports of panic buying have surfaced in parts of the country. Long queues have been seen at petrol pumps and LPG distribution centres, triggered by concerns over global supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.

Responding to these developments, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released updated stock data to reassure the public. Officials stated that India currently holds sufficient reserves, including crude oil stocks that can cover around 60 days of consumption and LPG supplies adequate for approximately one month.

Government Assurances on Fuel Availability

The government dismissed reports of shortages as misleading. It described such claims as part of a misinformation campaign aimed at creating unnecessary panic among consumers.

State-run oil marketing companies also issued statements confirming that fuel supply remains stable across the country. They said petrol pumps are fully stocked and that there is no rationing of petrol, diesel, or LPG.

Measures Taken to Manage Price Impact

In a parallel move, the Centre announced a reduction of Rs 10 per litre in central excise duty on petrol and diesel meant for domestic consumption. The decision is seen as an effort to ease the burden on consumers amid rising global crude oil prices.

At the same time, the government introduced fresh export duties on petroleum products. Officials indicated that this step is intended to ensure that domestic availability is not affected by international market fluctuations.

Broader Debate on Energy Strategy

The developments have reignited a broader debate over India’s long-term energy strategy. While the government maintains that it is taking steps to protect consumers and ensure supply stability, the opposition continues to question whether sufficient progress has been made toward reducing import dependence.

With global energy markets facing uncertainty, the issue is likely to remain a key point of discussion in the coming weeks.