Write an essay on " Fuel Crisis in India."
200 Words Required
Answers
Answer:
India has to import a significant portion of its oil needs. During 1992-93, our import bill for petroleum and petroleum products was nearly Rs. 17,100 crores, which rose to a staggering Rs. 71,500 crores in 2000-01. In spite of the phenomenal growth in our petroleum industry, we have to import a huge quantity of crude oil and petroleum products from other countries. The industry has witnessed tremendous progress in the field of oil-exploration and production, refining and marketing petroleum products. Domestic crude oil production reached the peak level of 330 lakhs tones in 1990- 91. However, it came down to 303 lakhs tones during 1991- 92 but it raised again, after remedial measures, to approximately 327 lakhs tones in 1999-2000.
The constant increase in prices of oil in the international market since 1973 has worsened the energy crisis in India. It has put tremendous strain on our developing economy and there is an urgent need of energy- efficient machines and devices, particularly automobiles, because transport sector is the main consumer of petroleum products. In the context of energy crisis and the ever- increasing oil import bill, high priority should be given to conservation of oil and petroleum products in transport, industrial, agricultural and household sectors. Besides, efforts to increase the indigenous production of crude oil should be intensified and private and international oil companies should be involved.
Electricity is the most popular form of energy and its demand in the country has been growing at a faster rate than other forms of conventional energy. In spite of phenomenal growth of power generation in India during the last couple of years, there is an acute shortage. Electricity plays a very vital role in both industrial and agricultural sectors. The increasing consumption of power in the country reflects our growth and development. The per capita power consumption in India is very low in comparison to other countries. The total public sector Ninth Plan outlay for power was Rs. 223,050 crore. But this outlay was insufficient in the context of our energy needs and exploitation of our thermal and hydel power potential.
Landlocked Nepal is hit by severe fuel shortages and border blockades, at a time when the country is still recovering from the earthquakes in April and May. Cordaid relief operations are affected by the blockades.
Nepal’s fuel supplies – mainly coming from the Indian Oil Corporation – have been largely cut off. India claims its trucks are reluctant to cross the border because of turmoil in the region, but many Nepalis are convinced that India is deliberately blockading the country, trying to convince Kathmandu to rewrite the constitution, the Financial Times reported last week.
Project sites difficult to reach
Cordaid project sites in Rasuwa district, about hours drive from Kathmandu, have been affected by the blockade and fuel shortage. Staff members of Cordaid and partner organizations have not been able to visit the area and monitor relief operations on a regular basis. They are covering long distances by foot to do their work in the field.
The last two weeks we haven’t been able to send trucks to sites with emergency items (WASH materials) to the project sites in Rasuwa. The first phase of the emergency recovery project is supposed to end by 25th of October, but due to the situation this is likeley to be postponed.
cordaid driver Anil Tamang: “I got 20 litres of fuel last week, after queuing for 6 hours. But now gas stations have been closed completely.” Cordaid continues to conduct risk assessments in two villages in Rasuwa district. We can only do this, because most of the trainers, community mobilizers and community members are walking long distances to reach the villages.
Economical impact
Fuel shortages severely hit Nepal’s economy. The beginning of October is the start of the tourist season, an important source of income for the country. But restaurants are closing due to shortage of cooking gas and essential supplies. The fuel crisis affects the many trade fairs and annual exhibitions that come with the big festival of dasain, starting on October 16th. Moreover, the many thousands who directly depend on their daily earnings, are losing their daily bread as a result of the blockades
Ongoing
Primary country
Nepal