India Dismisses Lockdown Rumors Amid West Asia Crisis

India has firmly dismissed rumors of a potential lockdown due to the ongoing West Asia crisis and fuel shortages. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called these claims 'baseless' and expressed concern over misinformation circulating in political discourse.

Sitharaman stated that there is no proposal under consideration for any lockdown, assuring citizens that there will be no such measures implemented as seen during the COVID pandemic. Puri echoed her remarks, terming the rumors 'irresponsible and harmful,' urging the public to remain calm and not fall prey to panic-driven narratives.

The government's reassurances come amid a sharp rise in global crude oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. To cushion the impact on Indian consumers, the government has taken decisive fiscal measures.

Excise duties on petrol and diesel have been significantly reduced, bringing them down to ₹3 per litre for petrol and nil for diesel. Export duties have also been imposed to ensure domestic availability, including ₹21.5 per litre on diesel exports.