‘This world is full of unpredictability’: Hardeep Puri on India’s energy security

“India navigated well in energy security during global uncertainty,” Puri said while addressing an exclusive session on ‘India’s Energy Security: Navigating Geopolitical Uncertainty’, organised by the MCCI in Kolkata.

The minister said global energy prices had risen by more than 70 per cent, while the increase in India was significantly lower.

“This was because of the resolve of the Prime Minister, whose mantra was to ensure availability and affordability. The prices of petrol and diesel were slashed thrice by reducing the excise duties,” he said.

Puri said India had managed the situation effectively so far, but cautioned that the global environment remained unpredictable.

“This world is full of unpredictability. During the crisis, none of the retail outlets went dry,” he said.

The minister said his main concern was ensuring a steady supply of LPG, noting that India has around 33.5 crore LPG connections covering almost the entire population.

“There is LNG, but the bulk of the people are dependent on LPG,” Puri said.

On West Bengal, Puri said the state’s economy had declined over the past 50 years, while asserting that recent developments could place the state at the centre stage of economic activity.

“Economic progress of West Bengal is of the highest priority for the Centre. That is why the India Energy Week is being held here,” he said.