Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian citizens should limit their use of petrol and diesel to combat rising energy costs [1].
The appeal comes as conflict between the U.S. and Iran disrupts the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies and increasing the risk of fuel price hikes within India [2].
Modi said citizens should consider working from home to reduce the demand for fuel [3]. This measure is intended to curb the national consumption of petrol and diesel as the oil crisis deepens [3].
Beyond energy conservation, the prime minister said the public should avoid purchasing gold for one year [3]. This request is part of a broader effort to limit the use of foreign exchange reserves while the nation navigates the economic instability caused by Middle East tensions [1].
Government officials, including Nitin Gadkari, said the public should save fuel [2]. The administration is focusing on reducing the financial drain caused by expensive energy imports during the geopolitical crisis [1].
The call for remote work and reduced consumption reflects a strategy to stabilize the domestic economy against external shocks. By lowering the demand for imported fuel and luxury goods, such as gold, the government aims to protect its foreign exchange holdings [1].
“PM Modi urged Indians to limit use of petrol and diesel, work from home, and avoid buying gold.”
The Indian government is attempting to mitigate a potential balance-of-payments crisis. Because India relies heavily on oil imports, a spike in global prices can deplete foreign exchange reserves and trigger domestic inflation. By discouraging gold imports and fuel consumption, the administration is seeking to reduce the outflow of hard currency to maintain economic stability during the US-Iran conflict.
