Centre Firmly Denies Lockdown Rumours Amid Middle East Conflict

Lockdown Rumours are False: Puri

The Union Minister also appealed to citizens not to panic and brought to notice the fact that spreading rumours in such a situation may be "irresponsible and harmful".
Puri said, "The global situation remains in flux, and we are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel , energy, and other critical supplies for our citizens. We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges. India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner. Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India.”

He added, “In such times, it is important that we remain calm, responsible, and united. Attempts to spread rumours and create panic in such a situation are irresponsible and harmful.”

Panic Buying of Petrol

On the other hand, panic buying at petrol pumpsand shortage in the supply of LPG cylinders came out of the rumours about a possible lockdown. Closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict is the main reason for this.
However, the centre assured that India is well placed in terms of energy as the government is doing everything possible to maintain the supply of energy and fuel.

Hormuz Trade Disrupted Amid Crisis

The conflict in West Asia has entered the fourth week and has disrupted the trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions were heightened after the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by US and Israel on 28 February.
In response, Iran hit Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries, which not only caused further disruptions of the waterway but also forced a fall in the international energy market and threatened global economic stability.