The government said on Friday that it considers energy security to be one of its ‘supreme priorities’ and has taken all the necessary steps to ensure that affordable energy is available to the people.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that the government is adopting a ‘multidimensional strategy’ which includes diversity in supply sources, increasing domestic production of oil and gas, expanding alternative energy sources and furthering energy change.
He was asked the details of the steps taken by the government to protect the strategic and energy interests of the country amid global stress, and was also questioned whether the government has expressed concern with countries like America about ‘impact of restrictions’ on India’s petroleum imports from Russia and Iran.
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent mutual fee on India, which came into effect from 7 August. The US President also signed an executive order on Wednesday, in which New Delhi announced an additional fee of 25 percent on India’s purchase of oil from Russia, leading to 50 percent of the total fee, which is one of the highest charges levied by the US on any country in the world.
This additional 25 percent fee will be applicable from August 27 after 21 days. Jaishankar, in his written reply, also said, “The government considers energy security to be one of its highest priorities and has taken all necessary steps to ensure access to cheap energy for the people of India.