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‘February 2022 was the last time fuel prices were increased. Since then, we have actually brought prices down,’ says Puri.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the 12 years of the PM Modi government have been “remarkable”, particularly in the energy sector.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s diversified energy sourcing strategy helped the country successfully navigate two major global energy crises over the past few years while keeping fuel price hikes under control.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18Puri said the 12 years of the PM Modi government have been “remarkable”, particularly in the energy sector, which faced unprecedented challenges following global disruptions in 2022 during the Ukraine-Russia and again in 2026 during the Iran-US-Israel war.
“These 12 years have been remarkable. For an elected leader to be elected for a third time is extraordinary. Numbers tell one story, but what Prime Minister Modi has done in the energy sector is another,” Puri said.
The minister pointed to the energy crisis that erupted after geopolitical disruptions in February 2022 and the fresh challenges witnessed in 2026, saying neither event was of India’s making.
‘February 2022 Was Last Time Fuel Prices Were Hiked’
“These events were not of our making. The world had never seen anything like this. Yet we were able to navigate the situation. February 2022 was the last time fuel prices were increased. Since then, we have actually brought prices down,” he said.
Explaining how India managed to cushion consumers from global volatility, Puri credited PM Modi’s diplomatic outreach and energy diplomacy.
“One factor was outstanding statesmanship. The Prime Minister was in touch with leaders across the world, striking deals and engaging counterparts at various summits. We diversified our energy sources and ensured supply security,” he said.
‘India Currently Imports Energy From 41 Countries’
Puri said India currently imports energy from 41 countries, significantly reducing dependence on any single supplier.
“We are buying energy from 41 countries across the world. Even when the Strait of Hormuz faced disruption, through which nearly 60 per cent of our LPG imports and around 90 per cent of our crude oil imports move, we were able to manage the situation. There was disruption and we had to find alternative routes, while oil prices rose to around $105 per barrel, but protecting the consumer is not just an article of faith for Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
The minister also took aim at opposition parties over criticism of fuel prices, arguing that state-level taxes play a significant role in determining retail rates.
“When they were in power and fuel prices went up, their response was very different. Today they make allegations over petrol and diesel prices. If that is the case, why are petrol and diesel prices higher in some opposition-ruled states compared to BJP-ruled states? This exposes the absurdity of the allegation,” he said.
‘India Has Maintained Energy Sovereignty Despite Turbulent Environment’
Puri asserted that India has maintained energy sovereignty despite a turbulent global environment and has insulated consumers from election-driven pricing decisions.
“Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated how to navigate a crisis with minimum impact on ordinary citizens. We are not badly off, even though the global situation remains worrisome. India today enjoys energy autonomy and energy sovereignty,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s pricing record, the minister said fuel prices remained stable despite multiple electoral cycles.
“General elections were held in 2024, and there were elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and several other states. Yet fuel prices did not go up,” Puri added.
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