Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges Indians to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, work from home where possible, avoid foreign travel, and stop buying gold for a year. The remarks come as global energy tensions tied to the Iran war raise fuel costs and add pressure to India’s foreign exchange position. Multiple outlets report that Modi links the guidance to the need to conserve foreign currency spent on fuel imports and to prepare for higher prices or possible shortages.
Reports say India imports a large share of its energy needs and relies heavily on LPG supplied from Gulf countries, with most supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, disruptions in regional shipping and global oil price volatility are described as feeding into domestic costs, even as India has not raised petrol and diesel prices for retail consumers.
Sources also note that gold is priced and traded globally in US dollars, and that India has previously used tariff measures to curb demand and protect dollars. Additional points include Modi’s calls for carpooling, using metro services in cities with metro lines, resuming energy-saving practices from the COVID period, and using virtual meetings to limit travel and expenses.
