Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian citizens on Sunday to work from home and restrict the use of petrol and diesel [1].
The appeal comes as India faces economic pressure from rising global oil prices triggered by conflict in West Asia [3]. By reducing domestic fuel consumption and curbing the import of gold, the government aims to stabilize the nation's foreign-exchange reserves during the geopolitical crisis [2].
Speaking in Secunderabad, the Prime Minister called for a nationwide effort to exercise restraint in fuel consumption [1]. He said that citizens should consider work-from-home arrangements to minimize the need for daily commutes, thereby lowering the demand for petrol and diesel [3].
Beyond fuel, Modi addressed the cultural practice of purchasing gold for weddings and celebrations. He said that citizens should refrain from buying gold for a period of one year [1]. This measure is intended to reduce the outflow of currency used to import gold, which would otherwise deplete reserves needed to manage the increased cost of energy imports [2].
The request follows deepening concerns over the oil crisis resulting from tensions between the U.S. and Iran [2]. As a major importer of crude oil, India is particularly vulnerable to price shocks in the Middle East, which can lead to inflation and a wider current account deficit [3].
Modi said the collective sacrifice of the public would help the country navigate the current economic instability. The call for a gold moratorium and fuel conservation represents a direct appeal to the public to prioritize national economic resilience over individual consumption [1].
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian citizens to work from home and restrict the use of petrol and diesel.”
This appeal signals that the Indian government views the current West Asia conflict as a significant threat to its macroeconomic stability. By targeting gold—a high-value import—and fuel, the administration is attempting to manage the trade balance without implementing formal austerity measures or legislative mandates, relying instead on civic cooperation to prevent a currency crisis.
