New Delhi: The Centre on Friday dismissed rumours of a nationwide lockdown, clarifying that no such proposal is under consideration even as panic buying was reported at some petrol pumps amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said speculation about a Covid-19-like lockdown was “completely false” and urged citizens to remain calm and responsible.
“Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India,” Puri said in a post on X.
“In such times, it is important that we remain calm, responsible, and united. Attempts to spread rumours and create panic in such a situation are irresponsible and harmful,” Puri added, calling for unity and restraint during a period of global uncertainty.
The clarification comes after a surge in online discussions and search queries around a possible lockdown, triggered by misinterpretations of recent remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the impact of the West Asia conflict.
Speculation intensified following the government’s decision to convene an all-party meeting to assess the situation and its implications for the economy and supply chains.
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However, officials clarified that the Prime Minister’s references to the Covid-19 period in his recent addresses to Parliament were meant to highlight how India had navigated a previous global crisis, and not to संकेत any imminent restrictions.
During his speeches in both Houses, Modi underlined the need for preparedness and unity, noting that global disruptions caused by the conflict could have long-term economic consequences. He urged citizens to remain resilient, drawing parallels with the country’s collective response during the pandemic.
The government’s clarification comes amid isolated instances of panic buying at fuel stations, driven largely by misinformation circulating on social media. Authorities have reiterated that fuel supplies remain stable and there is no cause for concern.
