No lockdown or fuel, gas shortage: Amit Shah allays public concerns over Iran war

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sought to calm rising public concerns over a possible Covid-era-like lockdown in India amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, asserting that there is no such plan under consideration and that fuel supplies remain stable.

Speaking to India Today TV during a roadshow in Guwahati ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Shah dismissed speculation triggered by the Iran war and reassured citizens about the country’s preparedness.

Responding to concerns about panic and uncertainty among the public, Shah said, "There is no question of a lockdown. The situation is normal. There is a crisis all over the world. We all have to face our own problems. But under the direction of PM Narendra Modi, the Indian government has made a very good arrangement. There is no problem of petrol, diesel or cooking gas anywhere. And everything is going smoothly".

His remarks come amid growing chatter on social media and among sections of the public about potential disruptions similar to those witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Union Home Minister’s clarification is part of a broader effort by the government to dispel rumours and maintain public confidence as geopolitical tensions escalate in West Asia.

Authorities have emphasised that while global conditions remain volatile, there is no immediate threat to domestic stability or supply chains that would necessitate restrictive measures like a nationwide lockdown.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi similarly reassured the public, highlighting India’s diversified sourcing strategy for crude oil and natural gas.

After a crucial meeting with chief ministers of states and Union Territories on Friday, he pointed to the country’s strategic petroleum reserves, built over the past decade, as a critical buffer against external shocks.

He called upon all states to work as "Team India," as the country did during the Covid pandemic, to mitigate the domestic impact of the war in West Asia, which has continued unabated for nearly a month.

Plans are also underway to further expand these reserves to strengthen long-term energy security.

Last week, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also ruled out any possibility of lockdown-like restrictions.

He urged citizens not to indulge in panic buying, even as he acknowledged that recent developments — including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz — have created temporary concerns in global energy markets.

Puri maintained that India’s energy supply remains secure and that contingency measures are in place to handle any fluctuations.

In addition, the government is accelerating its push towards piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure, particularly in urban areas.

The transition from LPG cylinders to PNG, where feasible, is aimed at reducing dependence on imports and improving supply reliability.

Officials say the move will not only enhance resilience but also lower costs for consumers and reduce the subsidy burden on the exchequer.

With multiple assurances from top leaders, the government has made it clear that there is no cause for alarm.

As global tensions continue to evolve, authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation while ensuring that essential supplies remain uninterrupted and public confidence stays intact.

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