New Delhi, March 12: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised alarm over the ongoing conflict in West Asia, warning that the crisis and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely jeopardize India’s energy security. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi declared that "the pain has just started" and stressed that the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran would have far-reaching consequences both globally and domestically.
Gandhi pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, has been blocked, disrupting vital global energy flows. This disruption, he emphasized, is particularly alarming for India, which imports a significant portion of its oil and natural gas through this crucial maritime route.
"The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is going to have a profound impact, especially for us," Gandhi warned. "A large portion of our oil and natural gas comes through this route. Already, we are witnessing consequences—restaurants are shutting down, and people are panicking about the availability of LPG. The pain has just begun."
Further criticizing the government’s handling of the situation, Gandhi underscored that energy security is fundamental to national stability. He expressed concerns over external influence on India's energy policy, particularly regarding oil and gas imports. Referring to past instances of US pressure, he questioned why a country of India’s size would let foreign powers dictate its energy partnerships.
"The foundation of every nation's stability is its energy security. We cannot allow the United States, or any other nation, to dictate whom we buy oil from, or if we can buy oil from Russia. India should decide its energy relations independently," Gandhi asserted. "Why should India, a nation of over a billion people, allow another country’s leader to decide where we get our oil from?"
In response to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia, sources have revealed that Iranian authorities have agreed to allow Indian-flagged ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic in the region has almost come to a standstill following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
On the domestic front, the Union Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) on Tuesday to ensure a steady supply of cooking gas. The government directed refineries and petrochemical units to maximize LPG production and prioritize the allocation of natural gas to essential sectors, including domestic piped gas, LPG production, and compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport.
The government order mandates that sectors such as fertilizer plants receive 70% of their average gas consumption over the past six months, subject to operational availability. Similarly, industries reliant on the national gas grid, including tea manufacturing, must receive 80% of their average gas usage, ensuring stability amidst global disruptions.
Gandhi's comments reflect growing concerns over India's vulnerability in an increasingly volatile global energy market. The situation in West Asia and the decisions made at the international level will undoubtedly shape the future of India's energy security and its broader geopolitical stance.
