India has now become world's fourth-largest refinery capacity holder, says PM Modi in Rajasthan (Ld)

"Today, speaking from the soil of Rajasthan, I wish to highlight another aspect of our nation's strength. The war in West Asia has caused turmoil across the globe and triggered the most severe energy crisis of the 21st century. But the willpower and efforts of New India prevailed over the crisis," the Prime Minister said.

He added that India made timely decisions, accurately assessed the evolving situation, and used its diplomatic strength effectively to ensure uninterrupted energy supply.

Referring to the global fuel crisis, the Prime Minister said crude oil prices had surged sharply during the conflict period and supply chains were disrupted.

"When the crisis deepened, crude prices rose from 70 dollars per barrel to nearly 120 dollars per barrel. Import routes were disrupted, and many countries saw fuel shortages and rationing," he added.

However, PM Modi said that India ensured uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel despite global volatility.

"Not even a single day did India face such a situation. While rumours were spread and attempts were made to create fear, they failed," the Prime Minister added.

He said that oil marketing companies were supported by policy decisions, including duty reductions of Rs 10 per litre on excise and government support to absorb global price shocks.

The Prime Minister added that the Union government ensured that domestic consumers were protected from international price shocks in LPG.

"We (Union government) ensured supply while also protecting citizens from excessive burden. At a time when experts predicted LPG cylinder prices could rise to Rs 2,000, domestic LPG remained below Rs 900, and Ujjwala beneficiaries continued to receive cylinders at under Rs 650," he said.

He added that recent reductions in commercial LPG prices reflected the Union government's sensitivity towards consumers.

The Prime Minister said India rapidly adapted refinery operations during the West Asia crisis.

"Refineries that earlier produced industrial gas were redirected to produce LPG. Within seven days, LPG production increased from around 35,000 metric tonnes to 54,000 metric tonnes," he added.

He said that India also expanded piped natural gas (PNG) networks to reduce dependency on LPG cylinders.

Speaking on global trade and diplomatic outreach, the Prime Minister added that India expanded its energy sourcing base from 25–26 countries to more than 40 countries during the fuel crisis period.

"This was possible because of India's strong diplomatic relations. We ensured energy security through diversified imports and global partnerships," he said.

He added that India clearly conveyed that "national interest and citizen welfare remain supreme".

The Prime Minister said global crises, including the Ukraine conflict, had severely impacted fertiliser supplies worldwide.

He added that the price of urea had risen above Rs 3,000 per bag globally, but Indian farmers continued to receive fertiliser at around Rs 300 per bag due to government subsidies.

"The Union government bore a massive subsidy burden to protect farmers," he said.

He added that India strengthened domestic fertiliser production, diversified import sources, and adopted alternative agricultural practices such as natural farming.

Expressing his support to small medium enterprises, the Prime Minister said the Union government launched an expanded Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to support MSMEs during rising costs.

"Banks extended up to 20 per cent additional credit, fully guaranteed by the Union government. This is Modi's guarantee for small industries," he added.

The Prime Minister also thanked citizens for standing firm during the West Asia crisis.

"I bow to 140 crore Indians. Despite fear, rumours, and attempts to create instability, the people of India remained united and strong," he said.

Making a verbal attack on Congress, Prime Minister Modi added that the Rajasthan Refinery, whose MoU was signed in 2017, faced delays during the Congress government (2018–2023), but accelerated after the formation of the "double-engine government".

"Bharatiya Janata Party governments do not just lay foundation stones; we complete the projects," he said.

He added that India has now become the world's fourth-largest refinery capacity holder and continues to expand its energy infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to address Rajasthan's water challenges, including agreements between Rajasthan and Haryana to supply water to the Shekhawati region through underground pipelines.

He said projects such as Ramjal Setu, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari have significantly improved water conservation.

He also noted the expansion of Metro rail in Jaipur, the inauguration of the Jodhpur airport terminal, and new connectivity initiatives under the UDAN scheme.

Speaking on solar energy and environmental initiatives, the Prime Minister said Rajasthan's solar potential is being harnessed through solar parks, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and PM-KUSUM schemes.

He added that over 1.5 lakh homes in Rajasthan have been connected to solar power and more than 65,000 solar pumps have been distributed to farmers.

He also planted a khejri sapling under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, highlighting Rajasthan's ecological traditions.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said India's development journey is driven by public participation and strong governance.

"Let us move forward together to build a developed Rajasthan and a developed India," he added, before ending his address with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

"Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!" the Prime Minister said, concluding his speech.