Manish Tewari raises alarm in Lok Sabha over West Asia conflict, energy crisis; urges govt action – The Tribune

Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, on Thursday raised a matter of urgent public importance in the House, drawing attention to the escalating conflict in West Asia and its far-reaching implications for India’s energy security and economic stability.

Highlighting the ongoing hostilities involving Israel, the US, and Iran, the Congress leader warned that the situation has triggered a severe global energy crisis. He noted that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with sustained attacks on critical energy infrastructure, has significantly disrupted global supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Emphasizing India’s vulnerability, Tewari pointed out that the country imports nearly 87–88% of its crude oil and about 47% of its LNG requirements, much of which passes through this crucial maritime route. He cautioned that even if an immediate ceasefire were achieved, the restoration of normal maritime trade would take considerable time due to challenges such as limited availability and the high cost of insurance and war-risk coverage.

The Congress leader further stated that rising global crude prices are expected to place additional strain on the Indian economy, with early signs of impact already visible among ordinary citizens. He cited delays in LPG availability in rural areas, longer booking cycles, and distribution bottlenecks as pressing concerns. Additionally, he warned that disruptions in fertiliser supply chains could adversely affect the agricultural sector.

Moreover, Tewari urged the government to take proactive diplomatic initiatives to help bring the conflict to a close, noting that countries such as Egypt, Turkey, China and Pakistan appear to be emerging as interlocutors in the crisis.

He called upon the government to clearly outline both immediate and medium-term strategies to safeguard India’s energy security, stabilise supply chains, and shield consumers from the economic fallout. Stressing the gravity of the situation, Tewari said the issue demands urgent and structured discussion in Parliament.