Don't pay attention to rumours, says PM Modi on West Asia conflict; pushes 'India first' ideology

PRime government minister Narendra Modi on wed urged citizens non to make up attending to rumours, asking them not to panic amid fears of LPG shortage in the wake of the widening West Asia conflict.PM Modi appealed to the people to only "spread correct, verified information". He exuded confidence that India, as a nation, "will navigate every situation successfully". Follow US-Iran war news live updatesAddressing a mega NDA rally in poll-bound Tamil Nadu's Tiruchi, he also reiterated that the Centre always prioritises the nation's interests above everything.Noting that the West Asia conflict has affected the entire world's energy supply chain, PM Modi affirmed that the government "believes in the ideology of India first".ALSO READ | 90% of India's LPG imports travels through Hormuz Strait, but things in control: GovtThis is not the first time the prime minister has assured the public amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Earlier in the day, while speaking at an event in Kochi, PM Modi said that India does not leave its citizens stranded abroad, adding that the government is working to ensure all possible help to Indians in West Asia.He also affirmed that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to support Indian nationals living and working across the conflict-hit regions.PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Gulf nations for looking after Indian nationals residing there. "Gulf countries are giving the utmost care to Indians working there. I am grateful to them for that,” he said.Centre on crude oil, LPGAt an inter-ministerial briefing on Wednesday evening, the Centre revealed that India's crude oil supply remains secure and uninterrupted, even as concerns over global oil supply grew with escalating tensions in West Asia.ALSO READ | 'Don't panic, please': Govt urges consumers not to panic book LPG cylinders amid shortage fearsOfficials said the country currently has access to about 55 lakh barrels of crude oil per day, adding that the volumes secured today exceed what would normally have arrived through the Strait of Hormuz during this period.Additionally, the government also revealed that India imports about 60 per cent of its liquid petroleum gas (LPG) requirement, of which 90 per cent comes through the Strait of Hormuz.However, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas, urged the public not to panic and said the Centre has taken several measures to deal with the supply disruptions.