Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that the world may be heading into a prolonged energy crisis decade, cautioning that unchecked disruptions in fuel supplies and rising geopolitical instability could reverse decades of economic progress and push millions back into poverty.
Speaking during his visit to Netherlands, the Prime Minister stressed that global energy security is no longer only an economic issue but a matter of strategic survival for nations heavily dependent on imported fuel. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia and growing concerns over disruptions in crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.
The instability has already triggered a sharp rise in international crude oil prices in 2026, creating inflationary pressure across major economies and raising fears of supply shortages. Countries dependent on imported energy, including India, are closely monitoring the situation as higher oil prices threaten economic growth, transportation costs, manufacturing output, and household budgets.
In response, the Indian government has intensified calls for fuel conservation and energy discipline. Measures being promoted include expanded work-from-home arrangements, increased use of public transport, car-pooling, reduced non-essential travel, and curbs on avoidable imports to protect foreign exchange reserves. The broader strategy aligns with India’s push for energy security, self-reliance, and reduced vulnerability to global supply shocks.
PM Modi emphasised that the coming years will require responsible consumption, faster adoption of renewable energy, diversification of energy sources, and stronger international cooperation. He warned that failure to act collectively could destabilise economies worldwide and widen inequality, especially in developing nations already struggling with inflation and resource pressures.
The remarks reflect growing global anxiety over energy markets as geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related transitions increasingly reshape the international economic landscape.
