PM Modi chairs CCS meet; reviews steps taken to keep essential commodity prices stable, more - Key points discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, to review measures taken by various ministries, departments and also discussed further initiatives to be taken with respect to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

From review of steps being taken to keep a check on stable prices of essential commodities and strict action against hoarding and black-marketing; LPG supply — several issues were discussed at the CCS meet.

Wednesday's meeting marked the second special CCS meeting on the issue.

CCS meeting: Key points discussed

Here's a glimpse at the key points that were discussed during the CCS meeting:

– PM Modi directed that all efforts must be made to safeguard the citizens from the impact of this conflict

Track all the highlights of the CCS meeting here

— He also underlined the need for timely and smooth flow of authentic information to the public to prevent misinformation and ‘rumour mongering’.

— The Cabinet Secretary said steps have been taken to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products, especially LNG and LPG and ensure sufficient power availability. He said that LPG is now being sourced from more countries to diversify supply, and LNG imports have also been expanded. He added that LPG prices for household consumers have not changed, and regular checks are being carried out to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

— During the meet, it was also discussed that efforts are underway to increase Piped Natural Gas connections. To ensure enough power during peak summer, gas-based power plants with a capacity of 7–8 GW have been exempted from the gas pooling system, and more coal is being supplied to thermal power stations.

– Coordinating with overseas supplies for DAP/NPKS suppliers are being taken to ensure fertilizer supply, the government said – in a statement.

— State governments have been requested to curb black marketing, hoarding, and diversion of fertilizers through daily monitoring, raids, and strict action

— With respect to the Hormuz crisis, the government said that efforts to globally diversify sources for energy, fertilizers and other supply chains, and international initiatives for securing safe passage of vessels through the strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic efforts are being taken.

Israel-US-Iran conflict

US, Israel's joint conflict with Iran – which began on Saturday, 28 February – is now over a month old. Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump will address the nation on Thursday, 2 April to provide an ‘important’ update on Iran.