In view of the emerging crisis in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important meeting with the Chief Ministers of all the states through video conferencing on Friday (27 March 2026). In this meeting, PM Modi stressed on the initiative of diversifying the sources of fuel from the states. Under this, the PM called for increasing the expansion of biofuel, solar energy, Gobardhan Yojana, electric mobility and piped natural gas.
In this meeting, the current situation created due to the Middle East war was reviewed and the country’s preparedness, supply chain, energy security and protection of interests of citizens were discussed. Appreciating the suggestions given by all the Chief Ministers, the Prime Minister said that these inputs will help in facing the changing situation effectively. He described vigilance, preparation and better coordination between the Center and the State as the biggest strength to deal with this challenge. The Prime Minister said that India has faced global crises before also.
Inter-ministerial group is reviewing daily: PM Modi
Giving the example of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said that at that time the Center and the states worked together as ‘Team India’, due to which the impact on the supply chain, business and normal life could be reduced. He said that this spirit of cooperation is the biggest strength even today. The Prime Minister said that the situation is constantly changing, hence it is necessary to constantly monitor and change the strategy according to the situation.
PM Modi said that since March 3, an inter-ministerial group is reviewing the situation daily and taking decisions from time to time. The government’s priorities include economic stability, trade, energy security, safety of citizens and strengthening of industries. He said that effective implementation of policies happens at the state level, hence constant communication and coordination between the Center and the states is necessary.
Strict action should be taken against hoarding: PM Modi
The Prime Minister directed the states to maintain smooth supply chains and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He stressed on activating control rooms at the state and district level, keeping the administration alert and ensuring availability of essential commodities. Emphasizing the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said that the storage and distribution of fertilizers should be monitored, so that farmers do not face any problem in the coming Kharif season.
PM Modi warned that in times like these, rumors and misinformation spread rapidly, which can create an atmosphere of panic. He said that it is very important to provide correct and reliable information to the public on time. Also advised to be cautious of online fraud and fake agents. The Prime Minister asked the border and coastal states to be especially alert, so that any possible threat related to shipping, supply of essential goods and maritime activities can be dealt with.
Mentioned cow dung and biofuel
PM Modi asked the states whose citizens are in West Asia to start helplines, appoint nodal officers and develop support systems at the district level, so that the affected families can get timely information and help. He emphasized on expansion of biofuel, solar energy, Gobardhan Yojana, electric mobility and piped natural gas as part of long-term preparations. Also stated the need for cooperation of states to increase domestic production of oil and natural gas.
In the meeting, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government is working actively to deal with this crisis under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He said that steps like ensuring availability of LPG and reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel have been taken. The Chief Ministers attending the meeting expressed confidence that there is adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG in the country and the supply system is under constant monitoring.
What did the Chief Ministers say in the meeting?
He welcomed the decision of reduction in excise duty on fuel and said that this will provide relief to the common people. The Chief Ministers also appreciated that the Central Government has increased the allocation of commercial LPG to 70 percent of the pre-crisis level, which was earlier 50 percent. He reiterated his commitment to work together with the Centre. In the end, the Prime Minister said that this challenge is a shared responsibility and together as ‘Team India’ the country will successfully come out of this situation.
