Fuel Prices, Governance in Focus as PM Modi Holds Council of Ministers Meeting Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial meeting of the Council of Ministers at Sewa Teerth in New Delhi at 5 pm on Thursday, in what is being seen as a significant midterm review of the Union government’s performance.

According to sources, the high-level meeting is expected to bring together Union Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge, and ministers of state. The discussions are likely to focus on governance priorities, economic management, and the growing pressure arising from rising global fuel prices.

The meeting comes at a time when international energy markets remain volatile due to tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Concerns over energy security have intensified globally following conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran earlier this year.

Fuel Prices and Energy Security Expected to Dominate Discussions

The ministers’ meeting follows another round of fuel price hikes across India earlier this week. Petrol and diesel prices were increased nationwide on Tuesday, marking the second increase in less than a week.

In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre. Similar hikes were reported in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Earlier on May 15, fuel prices had already been raised by Rs 3 per litre, reflecting sustained pressure from elevated global crude oil prices.

Against this backdrop, the government is expected to deliberate on strategies to manage inflationary pressure, energy supply concerns and public messaging around fuel conservation.

PM Modi’s Push for Economic Resilience

Amid the ongoing global uncertainty, Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to reduce dependence on imported fuel and adopt more sustainable transport practices.

He appealed to people to contribute towards economic resilience by using public transport, opting for carpooling, preferring railways for transportation of goods, and increasing the use of electric vehicles wherever possible.

The appeal aligns with the government’s broader push towards energy transition and reducing India’s exposure to global oil market shocks.

Meeting Comes After PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour

The Council of Ministers meeting is also taking place shortly after Prime Minister Modi returned from a five-nation official visit covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

During his visit to Italy, Modi held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after which India and Italy elevated their ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership.”

The two leaders reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, technology, connectivity, education and the blue economy.

Key Questions Around the Meeting

The meeting is likely to serve as both a governance review and a strategy session as the government navigates rising fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges ahead of the next phase of its policy agenda.

With global energy prices under pressure and domestic fuel rates rising twice within a week, the Centre is expected to closely assess both economic and political implications in the months ahead.

(With inputs from ANI)