March 27, New Delhi: Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, officials stated that the government is taking steps to protect the academic interests of Indian students in the Gulf region amid the ongoing situation.
Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs, said that authorities are coordinating with local bodies and Indian schools, while boards like CBSE and ICSE have cancelled exams in the region, and the Kerala Board has postponed them, with further decisions expected on April 6.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), said, "Due to the war, our supplies of crude, LPG, and LNG have all been affected, and crude prices as well as other petroleum product prices have risen in the international market. However, the Government of India has taken several important decisions at multiple levels to manage the situation very effectively. As of today, we have sufficient crude inventories, and supplies have been lined up for the next two months. The situation is comfortable with respect to LPG and PNG as well. Our refineries are operating at 100 percent or even above capacity, and domestic LPG production has increased by almost 40 percent."
She further stated, "There is no decision to impose a lockdown, so this is a rumour, please make it clear to everyone. There is no lockdown situation, and no such proposal has even been considered."
Byt1: Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs
Byt2: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery)
Byt3: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery)