ITV News
What is the Essential Commodities Act that India invoked to safeguard fuel amid Iran war?
Government prioritises household gas and transport fuel as Iran conflict threatens global oil supply
MUMBAI: India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (1955) to safeguard the nation’s energy security as the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US intensifies. With the Strait of Hormuz facing potential closure, the government is moving to prevent fuel shortages and stop price gouging in the domestic market. By triggering the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order 2026, officials have established a strict hierarchy for gas distribution, with the primary goal of ensuring that homes and public transport do not run out of fuel, even if global supplies are choked by the war.
Under the new rules, a tiered allocation system has been mandated based on the average consumption of the past six months. Household piped gas, LPG (cooking gas), and CNG for transport have been given top priority and will receive 100 per cent of their required supply. The fertilizer sector has seen its supply cut to 70 per cent to divert resources elsewhere, while non-essential industrial units are restricted to 80 per cent of their usual intake. Additionally, refineries are now prohibited from using propane for plastic production, as these gases must be redirected to create LPG for kitchens.
Legally, the Essential Commodities Act is a crisis-era law that allows the Centre to control the production and distribution of vital goods. In this instance, it grants the government the power to set price caps and prevent traders from hoarding fuel in anticipation of higher prices. While the 2020 amendment to the Act limited government intervention in agricultural markets, it specifically retained the authority to intervene during wartime or “extraordinary circumstances.”
The ripple effects of the West Asian conflict are already being felt in major cities, with hubs like Pune and Bengaluru reporting difficulties in securing gas cylinders for commercial businesses. By invoking these emergency powers now, the government aims to stabilise the domestic market before disruptions at sea escalate into a full-scale energy crisis at home.
ITV News
Amazon nears $9bn Globalstar deal to boost satellite push: Report
Talks signal push to rival Starlink as spectrum and scale come into play
NEW YORK: Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire satellite telecom firm Globalstar in a deal reportedly valued at around $9 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg, signalling a major push to strengthen its space-based connectivity ambitions.
If finalised, the deal would give Amazon immediate access to Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure, including dozens of low Earth orbit satellites and more than 20 ground stations worldwide. It would also bring valuable wireless spectrum, particularly the L-band and S-band frequencies, into Amazon’s fold, assets considered critical for enabling direct-to-device satellite communication.
The move is widely seen as a strategic shortcut for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which has faced delays due to limited rocket launch capacity. By acquiring an operational network, Amazon could effectively bridge the gap between development and deployment, accelerating its entry into the fast-growing satellite connectivity market.
The acquisition would also sharpen Amazon’s competitive edge against SpaceX and its Starlink service, which currently dominates the low Earth orbit satellite internet space. With Globalstar’s reported base of over 800,000 subscribers, Amazon could quickly scale its presence and move closer to offering seamless connectivity, even in remote or underserved regions.
However, the deal is not without complications. Apple, which holds an estimated 20 per cent stake in Globalstar, could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. The iPhone maker currently relies on Globalstar’s satellites for its Emergency SOS via satellite feature, raising questions about how existing partnerships would be managed in the event of a takeover.
Beyond the immediate deal, the potential acquisition underscores a broader shift in the space economy. What was once an experimental frontier is rapidly consolidating, with tech giants racing to build integrated ecosystems that combine satellites, spectrum and services.
For consumers, the implications could be significant. Increased competition may accelerate the rollout of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, bringing the promise of always-on coverage closer to reality.
For Amazon, the message is clear. The race to connect the planet is heating up, and it is looking to move from playing catch-up to setting the pace.
