India Calls for Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels

SJM Raises Concern Over Panic Fuel Buying, Urges Shift Towards Renewable Energy​

Surge in LPG Bookings and Fuel Demand Triggers Alarm​

New Delhi, March 29: The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Sunday flagged concerns over rising panic buying of fuel and a sharp increase in LPG cylinder bookings amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The organisation cautioned that such behaviour is creating artificial shortages despite stable supply conditions.

In a statement, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan highlighted a sudden spike in LPG demand. Daily bookings, which typically ranged between 5.5 million and 6 million, have surged significantly to between 7.5 million and 8.8 million. A similar upward trend has been observed in petrol demand.

Adequate Fuel Supply Despite Global Tensions​

Mahajan clarified that India currently has sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and supply chains remain stable. He noted that fuel movement continues uninterrupted due to government-led diplomatic efforts, including through critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

However, he warned that panic-driven purchasing is distorting the supply-demand balance, leading to perceived shortages and increasing public anxiety.

Warning Against Hoarding and Misinformation​

The SJM cautioned that the ongoing geopolitical tensions have impacted global prices and supply of essential commodities, including oil, gas, and fertilisers. It also flagged the risk of hoarding by opportunistic entities attempting to benefit from potential future shortages.

Calling for responsible public behaviour, Mahajan urged citizens to avoid hoarding and refrain from spreading unverified information related to fuel availability.

He emphasised that people should rely only on official and verified sources, warning that misinformation could intensify panic and disrupt normal supply chains.

Call for National Unity and Responsible Conduct​

The organisation stressed the importance of maintaining social harmony and national unity during the current global uncertainty. Mahajan noted that fear-driven actions and rumours could worsen the situation if left unchecked.

He called on all stakeholders, including the government, industry, and citizens, to act collectively and responsibly.

Push for Renewable Energy and Self-Reliance​

Highlighting long-term concerns, the SJM reiterated the need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Mahajan stated that global disruptions should not impact the country’s economic stability, underscoring the importance of self-reliance in energy.

He pointed out that India has already been gradually transitioning towards alternative energy sources such as electric vehicles, solar power, wind energy, and nuclear power.

Mahajan added that dependence on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas makes the country vulnerable to global shocks. He called for accelerating efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, and nuclear power, to strengthen long-term energy security.