The Centre has moved to exempt gas-based power plants with a capacity of 7–8 GW from the gas pooling mechanism, as part of measures reviewed to ensure adequate power supply amid disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The decision, reviewed at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, is aimed at improving fuel availability for gas-based plants and supporting power generation during the peak summer months.
The government is also diversifying sourcing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Lquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to reduce supply risks, while domestic LPG prices have been kept unchanged despite global volatility. Measures to increase coal availability at thermal power stations and expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections were also reviewed to ensure stability in energy supplies.
The Centre is simultaneously monitoring prices of essential commodities, with control rooms set up for coordination with states and enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act. States have been asked to act against hoarding and black marketing. The government also reviewed steps to maintain fertiliser availability, including sustaining urea production and coordinating overseas supplies of DAP and NPK fertilisers ahead of the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The Prime Minister directed departments to take all necessary steps to shield citizens and key sectors from the impact of the evolving global situation, while emphasising timely dissemination of accurate information to curb misinformation.
