Vinod Bhat
BALOTRA (RAJASTHAN), July 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated the Rajasthan Refinery and Petrochemical Complex to the nation, describing it as a milestone in India’s pursuit of energy self-reliance and asserting that the country successfully navigated one of the biggest global energy crises in recent years without placing a significant burden on its citizens.
The refinery, built at an estimated cost of over ₹72,000 crore, is among India’s largest energy infrastructure projects and is expected to boost domestic refining capacity, petrochemical production and employment in western Rajasthan.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the project, Modi said the refinery would provide jobs to thousands of people and strengthen India’s energy security at a time when geopolitical tensions have disrupted global fuel supplies.
Referring to the recent conflict in West Asia, the prime minister said the crisis had triggered one of the biggest energy disruptions of the 21st century, with several countries facing fuel shortages and soaring prices.
He said India responded by increasing LPG production within a week, diversifying crude oil imports from over 40 countries and taking policy measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies.
PM Modi claimed domestic LPG prices, which market estimates suggested could have touched around ₹2,000 per cylinder during the crisis, were kept below ₹950, while beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme continued receiving cylinders at less than ₹650. He also said oil marketing companies absorbed losses exceeding ₹75,000 crore between April and June to shield consumers from rising international crude prices.
The prime minister said India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest refining nation and would continue expanding its refining capacity in the coming years.
He also alleged that work on the refinery had slowed during the previous Congress government in Rajasthan due to a lack of cooperation, but gained momentum after the BJP returned to power in the state.
The refinery is expected to play a key role in meeting India’s growing demand for petroleum products and petrochemicals while supporting industrial development in the region.
The project forms part of the Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure amid continuing uncertainties in global energy markets.
