What did Modi say during CCS meeting on West Asia
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday night chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the ongoing Middle East conflict. The high-level panel reviewed its impact on India's energy security, supply chains, and macroeconomic stability. "PM directs that all efforts must be made to safeguard citizens from the impact of this conflict," a government statement said. He also directed enhanced coordination across central, state, and district levels to ameliorate problems caused by the global situation.
Sectoral review
Availability of petroleum products to be ensured
The CCS meeting reviewed measures to ensure the availability of petroleum products, especially LPG and LNG. The Cabinet Secretary briefed that LPG prices for domestic consumers have remained the same, and anti-diversion enforcement is being strengthened to curb hoarding and black marketing. The government also reviewed fertilizer production, coordinating with overseas suppliers for DAP and NPKS during Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Price control
Control rooms set up for real-time coordination
The CCS also reviewed price trends of essential commodities, setting up control rooms for real-time coordination under the Essential Commodities Act. The prime minister stressed on the need for clear communication amid the evolving crisis, asking for timely and smooth flow of authentic information to prevent misinformation and rumor mongering. Global efforts to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz were also discussed at the meeting.
Coordination efforts
Efforts to expand Piped Natural Gas connections
The government further stated that efforts have been made to expand Piped Natural Gas connections. It stated that measures such as exempting gas-based power plants with a capacity of 7-8 GW from the gas pooling mechanism and raising the rake for positioning more coal at thermal power stations, among others, had been implemented to assure power supply during the peak summer months.