PM Modi on Strait of Hormuz crisis: Fuel supply affected, but India has enough crude oil storage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday assured that India has adequate fuel reserves and is working diplomatically to safeguard its interests and citizens amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia that has disrupted global energy supplies and trade routes.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the conflict, PM Modi said the war, which has continued for over three weeks, has created a “serious fuel issue” globally and affected the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers.

“The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected,” he said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the prime minister said many ships from across the world remain stranded in the region, including vessels with a significant number of Indian crew members on board.

“Many ships from around the world are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, and a large number of Indian crew members are on board them, which is also a major concern for India,” he said, calling for a united global voice for peace and dialogue.

Modi said India has been actively engaging with countries in the region, including Iran, Israel and the United States, along with Gulf nations, to de-escalate tensions.

“Since the start of the war, I have held two rounds of phone conversations with the heads of state of most countries in West Asia. We are in continuous contact with all the Gulf countries,” he said.

Modi said the government is working to ensure safe movement of Indian ships and has opted for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

He said India is working on arranging over 65 lakh metric tonnes of gas and has increased its refining capacity over the past decade.

“I want to assure the country that India has enough crude oil storage and non-stop supply arrangements,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted efforts to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid the conflict, stating that over 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely since the war began.

“From Iran alone, more than 1,000 Indians have returned safely so far, including over 700 young people who were studying medicine,” he said.

Modi lamented that while countries in the region have assured safety of Indians, some casualties have been reported.

“It is very unfortunate that due to the attacks, some Indians have lost their lives and some have been injured. Necessary assistance is being provided to their families and proper medical treatment is being ensured,” he said.