SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a second high-level meet of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence in New Delhi to review preparedness and response measures in view of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to an official statement, the CCS reviewed steps taken by various ministries and departments to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and services, while also deliberating on additional measures to address emerging challenges arising from the global situation.
The Cabinet Secretary briefed the committee on efforts to secure adequate supplies of petroleum products, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). He informed that procurement sources are being diversified, with fresh supplies being arranged from multiple countries. Domestic LPG prices have remained unchanged, while enforcement drives are being carried out to curb hoarding, black marketing and diversion.
Measures to enhance energy availability were also reviewed, including expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, exemption of gas-based power plants of 7–8 GW capacity from the gas pooling mechanism, and increased coal supply to thermal power stations to meet peak summer demand.
The CCS also assessed sector-specific preparedness in agriculture, civil aviation, shipping and logistics. The government is maintaining urea production levels and coordinating with international suppliers to ensure steady availability of DAP and NPK fertilisers. States have been directed to intensify monitoring and take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of fertilisers.
The statement noted that retail prices of essential food commodities have remained stable over the past month. Control rooms have been established for real-time monitoring and coordination with states and Union Territories, alongside enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act. Prices of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products are also being closely tracked.
Efforts to diversify global supply chains for energy and fertilisers were discussed, along with international initiatives aimed at ensuring safe passage of cargo vessels through critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Modi reviewed the availability of essential goods for citizens and emphasised the need to ensure adequate fertiliser supply for upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons. He directed all departments to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the conflict on the public and key sectors.
He also stressed the importance of disseminating accurate information to prevent misinformation and rumours, and called for enhanced coordination and real-time communication across central, state and district administrations to effectively manage the evolving situation.
