PM chairs CCS meet on Middle East conflict, orders urgent steps to secure supplies and curb price risks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict, directing ministries to take urgent steps to safeguard essential supplies and protect citizens.“PM directs that all efforts must be made to safeguard the citizens from the impact of this conflict,” the government statement noted as the high-level panel assessed measures across energy, fertilisers, agriculture, logistics and MSMEs.The meeting reviewed actions to ensure availability of petroleum products, particularly LPG and LNG, with diversification of supply sources underway. LPG prices for domestic consumers have been kept unchanged, while anti-diversion enforcement is being strengthened to curb hoarding and black-marketing. “Supply diversification for LPG and LNG, fuel duty reduction and power sector measures reviewed to ensure stability of essential supplies,” the govt said.The Prime Minister also assessed the power situation, with officials highlighting steps such as additional coal supply to thermal plants and easing norms for gas-based power generation.“Enough coal stock exists which shall serve power needs adequately in coming months,” the release noted.On fertilisers, the government said it is maintaining urea production and coordinating with overseas suppliers for DAP and NPKS to ensure adequate availability during Kharif and Rabi seasons. States have been asked to act strictly against hoarding and diversion through monitoring and enforcement.The CCS also reviewed price trends of essential commodities, with control rooms set up for real-time coordination with states and Union Territories under the Essential Commodities Act.“Steps being taken to ensure stable prices of essential commodities and strict action against hoarding and black-marketing,” the release said.The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of clear communication amid the evolving crisis.“PM underlines the need for timely & smooth flow of authentic information to the public to prevent misinformation and rumour mongering,” it added.The meeting also discussed global efforts to secure safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and broader initiatives to stabilise supply chains.Officials said enhanced coordination across central, state and district levels is being undertaken, with the Prime Minister directing all departments to take “all possible measures to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by the ongoing global situation,” the release said.