India effectively shielded consumers from the repercussions of the Gulf crisis by implementing proactive policies, expanding strategic infrastructure, and maintaining diplomatic efforts, according to former Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Vivek Kumar. Kumar highlighted that India’s response differed from that of other nations facing the crisis. He commended the government for not imposing work-from-home measures or restrictions on fuel sales, ensuring minimal disruption for ordinary consumers.
Emphasizing the government’s role in managing supply disruptions, Kumar credited policy interventions for averting a significant surge in retail fuel prices. He underscored the interconnected nature of the global oil and gas sector, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure in ensuring energy security. Kumar praised the substantial investments made by the Government of India and private sector entities over the past decade to enhance energy preparedness.
Discussing the complexities of the energy market, Kumar stressed the necessity of collaboration among nations due to mutual dependencies in oil and gas trade. He highlighted the crucial role of infrastructure in bolstering a country’s energy security, citing the substantial investments made by the Government of India and the Ministry of Petroleum, in conjunction with private sector contributions, in the sector’s development. Kumar also credited extensive diplomatic efforts for ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies during the crisis.
