Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian citizens to conserve fuel and limit foreign travel during a public speech in Hyderabad on May 10, 2026 [1].
The appeal comes as geopolitical tensions and war in West Asia disrupt oil supplies, threatening economic stability and energy security across the region [3].
During the address, Modi made seven distinct appeals to the public [4]. He specifically called for citizens to avoid buying gold and to restrict international travel for one year to maintain economic frugality [1, 3]. These measures are intended to mitigate the impact of the current oil supply crisis [3].
Beyond the call for conservation, the Prime Minister's visit to Hyderabad included the announcement of development projects valued at ₹9,400 crore [2]. This investment aims to bolster regional infrastructure while the national government manages the broader energy emergency.
The Prime Minister said the measures were necessary to address the pressures caused by the conflict in Iran and other West Asian territories [3]. He said that collective citizen action in reducing fuel consumption would help the nation weather the volatility of the global energy market [3].
Public reaction to the appeal has been mixed. Some observers noted that political figures continue to use fuel-heavy transport despite the Prime Minister's request for austerity [1]. Other critics have used the occasion to challenge the administration's broader economic record [4].
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian citizens to conserve fuel and limit foreign travel.”
The Prime Minister's request for citizens to curb gold purchases and foreign travel suggests a strategic effort to reduce the national current account deficit and preserve foreign exchange reserves. By linking personal frugality to national security amid the West Asia oil crisis, the Indian government is attempting to offset rising energy import costs through a reduction in non-essential outbound spending.
