NEW DELHI DAILY - 22 MARCH 2026
Modi convenes high-level cabinet meeting on energy situation; PM presses Pezeshkian on Hormuz in renewed high-level engagement; urea plants operating at half capacity; FPIs pull Rs 88,180 crore in March
India's urea plants cut to half capacity as LNG disruptions tighten via Strait of Hormuz
LNG disruptions from Strait of Hormuz closures have halved India's urea production capacity, affecting Petronet LNG, GAIL, Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum operations. Fertilizer supply constraints threaten agricultural sector amid kharif planting season.
PM Modi chairs ministerial meeting to review energy supply challenges amid West Asia conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened ministerial meeting to ensure uninterrupted energy supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across country. Government taking proactive steps as Iran war disrupts maritime routes.
Iranian President proposes West Asia security framework, seeks India's role as BRICS chair to halt hostilities
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for immediate cessation of US-Israeli aggression and urged India to play independent role as BRICS chair. PM Modi reiterated need for secure shipping lanes during telephone conversation.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 March convened a high-level ministerial meeting to review India's energy situation amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics, and efficient distribution across the country, per The Hindu. Modi on 21 March emphasized the need for open and secure shipping lanes in a second telephone conversation this week with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure while extending Eid and Nowruz greetings, according to NDTV and The Hindu. India's urea production has been pushed to half capacity due to LNG supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz, affecting fertilizer plants operated by Petronet LNG, GAIL, Indian Oil, and Bharat Petroleum, News18 reported on 22 March. Foreign portfolio investors withdrew Rs 88,180 crore (~USD 10.3 billion) from Indian markets in March through 21 March, pushing total 2026 outflows past Rs 1 trillion as the West Asia war deepened concerns about inflation and energy security, Business Standard stated.
