Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India successfully navigated the recent global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia through timely policy decisions, strategic planning and strong diplomatic engagement, while dedicating the Rajasthan Refinery and launching development projects worth around ₹1.06 lakh crore in Balotra.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the refinery would strengthen India’s journey towards self-reliance, generate employment for thousands of people and reinforce the country’s energy security. He said the BJP government not only lays foundation stones but also ensures projects are completed, adding that the refinery was delivered despite delays during the previous Congress government in Rajasthan.
Highlighting the impact of the West Asia conflict, PM Modi said the war had disrupted global fuel supplies and triggered the biggest energy crisis of the 21st century. He said India responded swiftly by increasing domestic LPG production, reconfiguring refineries to produce cooking gas and rapidly expanding piped natural gas (PNG) connections. As a result, domestic LPG cylinder prices were kept below ₹950, while Ujjwala beneficiaries continued to receive cylinders for less than ₹650 despite global market pressures.
The Prime Minister said crude oil prices had surged from around USD 70 to USD 120 per barrel during the crisis, while several countries experienced fuel shortages and rationing. However, he said India maintained uninterrupted fuel supplies, with oil marketing companies absorbing losses exceeding ₹75,000 crore between April and June. He added that the Centre also reduced excise duty by ₹10 per litre to shield consumers from rising prices.
PM Modi credited India’s diplomatic outreach for ensuring uninterrupted energy imports, saying the country expanded its fuel sourcing from around 25-26 nations before the crisis to more than 40 countries. He asserted that India’s foreign policy was guided by national interest and the welfare of its citizens.
Referring to the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said the government protected farmers from global fertiliser price shocks by continuing to provide urea at around ₹300 per bag despite international prices crossing ₹3,000. He said the government increased domestic production, explored alternative import routes and acted against hoarding to maintain adequate supplies.
The PM also announced that a new phase of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme had been introduced to support MSMEs affected by rising input costs. Under the scheme, banks would extend additional loans of up to 20 per cent with a 100 per cent government guarantee, providing relief to small businesses and cottage industries.
The Prime Minister highlighted several infrastructure projects inaugurated and launched in Rajasthan, including the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, the next phase of the UDAN scheme, the foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase-2 and projects aimed at addressing the long-standing water scarcity in the Shekhawati region. He said nearly 54,000 youths in Rajasthan had also received government appointment letters.
On water security, PM Modi said cooperation between BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan and Haryana had paved the way for a major water supply project for Shekhawati. Under the agreement, water from the Hathnikund Barrage will be transported to Rajasthan through underground pipelines at an estimated cost of about ₹34,000 crore, benefiting lakhs of people in Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu and neighbouring districts.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on renewable energy, noting that over 1.5 lakh households in Rajasthan had been connected to rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, while more than 65,000 solar pumps had been provided to farmers under the PM Kusum Scheme.
Calling Rajasthan central to India’s development journey, Prime Minister Modi said the state was witnessing rapid infrastructure expansion and reiterated that the Centre remained committed to accelerating growth through modern connectivity, energy security and sustainable development initiatives.
