No hoarding: Modi orderspush to secure food, fuel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a whole-of-government approach to secure food and fuel supplies amid disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Modi directed all arms of the government to work in coordination to minimise inconvenience to citizens. He also stressed the need for close coordination with state governments to prevent black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The Cabinet Secretary presented a detailed overview of the global situation and measures taken by various ministries. The CCS reviewed the likely impact of the conflict across sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, trade, shipping, finance, and supply chains. The committee also assessed short-, medium- and long-term implications of the crisis and discussed immediate and long-term countermeasures to safeguard domestic interests and economic stability.
A review of essential commodities confirmed adequate availability of food, fuel and energy, with steps outlined to ensure uninterrupted supply. The CCS noted that sufficient fertiliser stocks were available for the upcoming Kharif season, while alternative sourcing options were also explored.
Coal stocks at power plants were reported to be adequate, ensuring stable electricity supply.
The government also discussed diversifying import sources for critical sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and identifying new export markets.