Prime Minister chairs CCS meeting to discuss Middle East conflict, orders emergency measures to ensure supply and curb price risks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and directed ministries to take urgent measures to ensure supply of essential goods and protect citizens.“The prime minister directed that all efforts must be made to protect citizens from the consequences of this conflict,” a government statement said, with the high-level panel assessing measures in energy, fertilizers, agriculture, logistics and micro, small and medium enterprises.The meeting reviewed actions to ensure the supply of petroleum products, particularly Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas, and to diversify sources of supply. LPG prices for domestic consumers remained unchanged while anti-diversion enforcement was strengthened to curb hoarding and black marketing.“Diversification of supply of LPG and LNG, reduction in fuel tariffs and review of power sector measures to ensure stability of essential supplies,” the government said.The prime minister also took stock of the power situation, with officials highlighting measures such as increasing coal supply to thermal power plants and relaxing norms for natural gas power generation.“Coal inventories are sufficient to meet electricity demand in the coming months,” the release states.On fertilizers, the government said it was maintaining urea production and coordinating with overseas suppliers of diammonium phosphate and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to ensure adequate supply during the summer and rabi seasons. Countries have been asked to strictly combat hoarding and diversion through monitoring and enforcement.The CCS has also reviewed price trends of essential commodities and set up a control room under the Essential Commodities Act for real-time coordination with states and Union Territories.“Measures are being taken to ensure price stability for essential commodities and to crack down hard on hoarding and black marketing,” the release said.The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining clear communications during the evolving crisis.It added: “The Prime Minister stressed the need for timely and smooth delivery of authentic information to the public to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours.”The meeting also discussed global efforts to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and broader efforts to stabilize supply chains.Officials said coordination is being stepped up at the central, state and district levels, with the Prime Minister directing all departments to take “all possible measures to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by the current global situation”.