India lockdown rumours false, says minister; govt assures fuel supply and stability
Rumours about a possible lockdown in India are “completely false,” Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified on Thursday, firmly stating that the government is not considering any such move. Amid an ongoing global crisis, he urged citizens to stay calm and warned that spreading misinformation in such times is “irresponsible and harmful.”
The clarification came shortly after the Centre announced a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel, as global energy markets face disruptions due to the ongoing Iran–US tensions. In a post on X, Puri said the global situation remains uncertain and the government is closely monitoring developments related to energy, supply chains, and essential commodities in real time.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel and other essential supplies. “India has consistently shown resilience during global challenges, and we will continue to act in a proactive and coordinated manner,” he said.
Rumours after PM’s speech
Speculation around a possible lockdown resurfaced following a recent speech by PM Modi in Parliament, where he spoke about the ongoing West Asia crisis. This led to viral claims suggesting that he hinted at a lockdown, triggering online searches like “Is lockdown coming back to India.”
However, the Prime Minister only referred to the COVID-19 period to highlight how India managed a global crisis. While he urged citizens to remain “prepared and united,” similar to the pandemic period, he did not mention any lockdown in his address.
The confusion appears to have been fuelled by concerns over LPG supply and fuel-saving measures adopted by some countries. The rumours also gained traction around March 24, marking six years since India’s nationwide lockdown in 2020.
Relief on fuel prices
Amid concerns over rising fuel prices, the government announced a major relief measure by cutting central excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each.
Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced export duties of ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to ensure sufficient domestic availability.
She said the move would help shield consumers from price hikes and reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting citizens from global supply disruptions and rising costs.
