- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 11 May 2026 06:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid growing concerns over the West Asia crisis and its impact on global fuel supplies, the Centre on Monday held the fifth meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to adopt austerity measures and conserve resources.
The high-level meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reviewed the evolving situation in the region, particularly the impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on energy supplies and global markets. The government reiterated that there is no need to panic but resources must be conserved.
“I urge people to remain calm and avoid any kind of panic as the government is taking concrete steps to prevent shortages or disruptions in supply chains," Singh posted on social media platform X ( formerly twitter ) soon after the meeting.
The 5th meeting of IGoM was held today to review the existing risks to energy supply chains and domestic availability of essential commodities in the wake of the conflict in West Asia.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 11, 2026
The Government under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi has been doing commendable work… pic.twitter.com/L6OG25VJk2
The meeting was attended by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh, Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Health Minister JP Nadda, among others.
Government officials also addressed concerns over possible fuel shortages and market disruptions, especially after volatility in stock markets following the Prime Minister’s remarks on Sunday.
“Though there is price volatility in the global market, the government has tried to ensure minimum problem for consumers. Refineries are operating at an optimum level and there are no reports so far of dry out at retail outlets or LPG outlets," Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, told the media.
The government’s response also came amid criticism from the Opposition, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning the Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity.
On Sunday, while addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on every Indian citizen to join a collective movement for economic resilience amid rising global tension. Speaking against a backdrop of global supply chain disruptions and rising costs fueled by international conflicts, the Prime Minister framed the current crisis not just as a government challenge, but as a test of national character.