By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices was affecting citizens and had become a matter of concern for the government, attributing the increase to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global energy markets.
Addressing the public through a social media live session, Sarma said India’s heavy dependence on imported crude oil makes domestic fuel prices vulnerable to international developments, particularly the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
He said India imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements from countries and regions including the Middle East, Russia, the United States and Venezuela. According to the Chief Minister, instability in West Asia has contributed to the recent increase in fuel prices.
Sarma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was making efforts to minimise the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers and shield citizens from global market fluctuations as far as possible.
Expressing optimism over an improvement in the situation, he said easing tensions in West Asia could help stabilise international markets and provide relief to consumers.
The Chief Minister also noted that global economic uncertainties had created financial pressures for governments, including Assam, and said managing finances in the post-election period remained a challenge.
He expressed hope that improved relations between the United States and Iran would contribute to greater stability in global markets and allow governments to focus on development initiatives.
Beginning his address, Sarma thanked the people of Assam for the BJP-led NDA’s victory in the recent Assembly elections and described the mandate as unprecedented in the state’s political history.
Highlighting key government initiatives, he said the administration had fulfilled its commitment on the Uniform Civil Code legislation and announced that cash transfers under the Orunodoi scheme would resume on August 2 and 3. Distribution of pulses, salt and sugar to ration card holders, along with other welfare schemes such as Nijut Moina, will also resume from August.
On infrastructure, Sarma said the tender process for the proposed Gohpur–Numaligarh tunnel would be completed within a month. He also announced plans for a four-lane road connecting Baihata Chariali and Mission Chariali to the Ring Road network and a flyover linking Jalukbari and Borjhar.
The Chief Minister further outlined plans for an express highway connecting Siliguri and Silchar via Guwahati and Barapani, development of Rupsi Airport as a logistics hub, establishment of medical colleges in every district and expansion of higher education institutions across the state.
He said work on the Kamakhya Corridor project had begun and reiterated the government’s commitment to generating employment opportunities for two lakh youths while protecting Assam’s cultural identity and land.
Sarma also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Assam from July 1 to July 3 and said a prominent foreign leader is expected to visit the state during the same period.