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Sanjay Singh Warns West Asia Conflict Threatens India's Energy Security

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a notice seeking a discussion on the West Asia conflict, warning it poses serious risks to India's energy security and economy. He highlighted that missile attacks and maritime threats around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial choke point, disrupt nearly half of India's crude oil imports. India imports over 85% of its crude, with a significant portion of LNG and LPG shipments also dependent on this volatile route. While government sources state domestic fuel prices are stable for now, the disruption has pushed global crude prices toward $100 a barrel, prompting India to explore alternative energy suppliers like Australia and Canada.

Key Points: West Asia Conflict Risks India's Energy Security, Says AAP MP

  • Conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz shipping
  • Threatens 85% of India's crude imports
  • Global crude prices near $100/barrel
  • India seeks alternative gas suppliers
3 min read

Sanjay Singh submits Rule 267 notice in Rajya Sabha; says West Asia conflict "poses serious risks for India's energy security"

AAP MP Sanjay Singh submits notice in Rajya Sabha, warning conflict disrupts oil routes, threatens India's energy imports and economy.

"poses serious risks for India's trade, economy and energy security - Sanjay Singh"

New Delhi, March 10

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday submitted a notice under rule 267 of the Upper House, seeking to suspend matters of the house and discuss the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP has said that the ongoing conflict "poses serious risks" for India's trade, economy and energy security, as crude prices shot up due to uncertainty in maintaining safety over global shipping routes.

The Israel-US attacks and Iran's subsequent retaliation has disrupted maritime traffic on Strait of Hormuz, disrupting potentially the passage of nearly 20 per cent of global petroleum supply.

"Missile attacks on strategic hubs and threats to maritime lanes have increased instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most crucial energy choke points, through which a large portion of global oil and gas shipments pass. This situation poses serious risks for India," the AAP MP wrote in his notice.

India imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil requirement, a large portion of which comes from West Asia. Nearly half of India's crude oil imports and a significant portion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shipments go through the area, Singh said.

"According to reports, about 85 percent of India's LPG imports and about 55 percent of LNG imports pass through this route. Any disruption in this can seriously impact India's energy security and fuel supply," he added.

Notably, sources in Parliament have said a discussion in the house on the conflict is unlikely, as according to parliamentary rules, there are no provisions for a discussion if a suo motto statement is made by a minister on an urgent matter, said sources.

This comes a day after EAM S Jaishankar briefed the Rajya Sabha regarding the conflict situation in West Asia, stating that "the Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses."

Following the disruption, global crude and petroleum prices inched near the USD 100 per barrel mark. However, government sources have said that Petrol and diesel prices in India are unlikely to increase, unless and until crude oil prices breach the USD 130 per barrel mark.

The fuel prices are unlikely to increase as India has enough stock, the sources said, adding that as per current projections, crude is expected to remain around USD 100 per barrel.

"We expect crude oil prices to be around USD 100 per barrel," one of the sources said, adding that there was no shortage of petrol and diesel at any pump in the country.

Last week, Government sources had said that Australia and Canada have offered to sell gas to India as the country looks for other alternative energy sources amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the concern is real, I appreciate the government's proactive stance. EAM Jaishankar's briefing and the PM monitoring the situation is reassuring. The fact that they have enough stock and a buffer until $130/barrel shows some planning was in place. Hope the talks with Australia and Canada yield results.
A
Arjun K
Finally, someone in Parliament is talking about what matters to the common man! Petrol prices affect everything from vegetables to bus fares. If there's a disruption, it will hit our pockets hard. The discussion should be allowed, rules or no rules. This is a national security issue.
P
Priya S
The numbers are scary - 85% of LPG imports! That's our cooking gas. My mother was already worried about cylinder prices. The government says there is no shortage now, but they need a clear, communicated plan for the public. Transparency will prevent panic buying.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while raising the issue is good, the timing seems political after the EAM's statement. A discussion in the House is important, but so is presenting a united front on foreign policy matters. India's diplomatic balancing act in West Asia is delicate and crucial for our energy ties.
K
Karthik V
This is the wake-up call we needed. "Atmanirbhar Bharat" must include energy atmanirbharta. We have to invest heavily in strategic petroleum reserves, increase domestic production, and lock in long-term contracts with other suppliers. Can't keep our economy hostage to foreign conflicts.

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