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Hardeep Singh Puri said India had managed to keep fuel prices under control despite major global disruptions and challenges in energy supplies.
Union Minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri (File photo)
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said protecting consumers remains a key priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as the world faces rising fuel prices and an ongoing energy crisis.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Puri said India had managed to keep fuel prices under control despite major global disruptions and challenges in energy supplies.
Referring to the country’s energy security strategy, he said India currently imports energy from 41 countries and has worked to diversify its sources of supply.
Energy crisis and Hormuz disruptions
Puri said India faced difficulties when the Strait of Hormuz was affected during the Iran war, a route through which the country imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG and around 90 per cent of its crude oil. “We were able, against all odds, to keep the price line at a minimal level,” he said.
According to the minister, there was some disruption in supplies and India had to source energy through alternative routes. He noted that global oil prices had risen to around 105 dollars during the crisis.
Despite these challenges, Puri said consumer interests remained at the centre of the government’s approach. “Protecting the consumer is not just an article of faith for PM Modi,” he said.
How India managed energy challenges?
Explaining how India navigated the crisis, Puri credited Prime Minister Modi’s international engagement and efforts to build energy partnerships with countries across the world. “Outstanding statesmanship” and direct engagement with global leaders helped India secure energy supplies, he said.
The minister added that the Prime Minister had maintained contact with his counterparts around the world and concluded agreements at the highest levels through international summits. These efforts, he said, enabled India to diversify its energy sources and reduce risks arising from global disruptions.
Russian oil
Hardeep Singh Puri said India was never instructed to stop purchasing Russian oil despite global sanctions concerns. Speaking to CNN-News18, he maintained that India continued to secure its energy needs while navigating international challenges and emphasised that ensuring affordable energy supplies remained a priority for the government.
Two major energy crises in recent years
Puri said the last 12 years under the Modi government had been significant, noting that the Prime Minister had been elected for a third term.
Speaking about the energy sector, he pointed to two major crises that India had faced – one in February 2022 and another in February 2026. “These events are not of our making,” he said, adding that the world had not witnessed such circumstances before.
The minister said the government had successfully navigated both situations despite difficult global conditions.
Fuel prices brought down after 2022
Puri said February 2022 was the last time fuel prices were increased. Since then, the government has managed to reduce prices, he said.
Highlighting the government’s response to global energy volatility, the minister said India had continued to prioritise consumers while ensuring energy supplies through a diversified import strategy and diplomatic engagement with countries across the world.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
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