No Lockdown in India: Government Squashes Rumours, Calls Viral Claims 'Irresponsible and Harmful'

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday firmly dismissed rumours of a nationwide lockdown in India, stating that such claims are entirely baseless. He “clearly stated” that the government is not considering any such move. At a time of global uncertainty, authorities appealed to citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading misinformation, calling such behaviour “irresponsible and harmful”. His clarification came amid speculation triggered after recent policy moves, including a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel, announced in response to global energy supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-US conflict.

In a post on X, Puri emphasised that the global situation continues to remain uncertain and dynamic. He said, “we are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis.” Highlighting the leadership of Narendra Modi, he assured that all required steps are being taken to maintain uninterrupted access to fuel, energy, and other essential resources for citizens. He further added that the government is fully equipped to tackle emerging challenges and remains committed to ensuring stability during these uncertain times.

Reinforcing confidence in the country’s preparedness, Puri said, “India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner.” His remarks came as concerns grew over the international crisis and its potential ripple effects on domestic supply chains. The minister reiterated that authorities are actively evaluating the situation and will respond swiftly to safeguard public interests, ensuring that essential goods and services remain accessible without disruption despite external pressures affecting global markets and logistics.

The global situation remains in flux, and we are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM @narendramodi Ji, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted…

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) March 27, 2026

Also Read: Modi govt's decision to cut excise duty on fuel brings much-needed relief to citizens: Amit Shah

Speculation about a possible lockdown resurfaced following a recent speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament, where he addressed tensions in West Asia linked to the Iran-US war. India had previously experienced a nationwide lockdown in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak, making citizens sensitive to similar developments. After his speech, several social media posts began suggesting that a lockdown might return, leading to a surge in online searches such as “Is lockdown coming back to India” and “India lockdown news”, further fuelling confusion among the public.

However, officials clarified that the Prime Minister’s reference to the pandemic was only meant to highlight how India had successfully handled a global crisis. He encouraged citizens to remain “prepared and united, just as it had stood together during the COVID-19 pandemic,” but did not mention the term “lockdown” at any point. The misunderstanding appears to have arisen due to ongoing concerns over LPG supply and fuel conservation measures being implemented in certain countries, which added to the speculation and anxiety among people regarding potential restrictions in India.

The rumours gained further traction on March 24, marking six years since the government first announced the nationwide lockdown in 2020. Despite the anniversary and heightened online chatter, India currently faces no significant threat from the coronavirus. Authorities reiterated that there is no plan to impose restrictions similar to those seen during the pandemic. They urged people to rely only on official sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims, as misinformation during sensitive times can create unnecessary panic and disrupt normal public sentiment.

Meanwhile, in a move aimed at providing relief to citizens amid fears of rising fuel costs, the government announced a reduction in central excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each for domestic consumption. Additionally, export duties of ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on Aviation Turbine Fuel were introduced to ensure sufficient availability within the country. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that these steps are intended to stabilise supply and protect domestic consumers from global price fluctuations.

Sitharaman also highlighted the government’s focus on shielding citizens from economic volatility. In her statement on X, she said, “This will provide protection to consumers from rise in prices. Hon. PM @narendramodi has always ensured that citizens are protected from vagaries of supply and costs of essential goods,” adding that Parliament has been informed about these measures. The announcement was seen as a proactive effort to manage the impact of global disruptions, while reinforcing confidence that essential commodities will remain accessible and affordable for the general public.