Union Power Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said the increase in petroleum prices was a cascading effect of the ongoing US-Iran conflict and urged critics to understand the prevailing global situation before making remarks on the issue.
Khattar was responding to questions regarding the recent rise in petroleum prices during his visit to Hisar. Fuel prices have reportedly been increased four times in the past few days.
“A patriotic person who thinks in the interest of the country avoids making cheap remarks. People should understand that the reason behind this problem is not within our country but lies in the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has affected crude oil supplies. Many countries have had to increase prices two or three times,” he said.
Khattar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures such as carpooling and work-from-home arrangements to reduce fuel consumption. “People have responded positively, and even ministers’ cavalcades have been curtailed,” he added.
He said the price rise had to be accepted as a measure to deal with the crisis, as there was no alternative. “Citizens can either bear the burden of gradual price increases or reduce consumption because the situation is beyond our control. It is the outcome of a crisis between two nations,” he said.
Speaking about the power situation in the country during his visit to Pur village in Bhiwani, Khattar said there would be no shortage of electricity even if petroleum products became scarce. He said India recorded its highest-ever power consumption of 271 GW on May 21, while production stood at 274 GW, exceeding demand by three GW.
He added that preparations were underway to increase the country’s power generation capacity from 274 GW to 300 GW next year.
Khattar further said that if there was a shortage of oil, electric vehicles and electrically operated cooking appliances could serve as alternatives.
The Union Minister also criticised the “Cockroach Janta Party”, terming it nothing more than a “shosha” (mere showmanship). He alleged that such elements wanted to create disorder in the country, but added that the youth were aware and would not fall into their trap.
During his visit to the residence of former minister Kamal Gupta in Hisar, Khattar met Gupta and his family members to enquire about their well-being after a fire broke out at their house on Sunday. He said it was fortunate that the entire family was safe.
Commenting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Khattar said it was a process aimed at scrutinising voter lists, while Opposition parties were making misleading statements on the issue.
