Web Desk: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid non-essential foreign travel and limit imports such as gold as the government seeks to ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid rising global energy costs.
In a public address, Modi called on people to revive work-from-home practices and online meetings that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the measures could significantly reduce fuel consumption.
“We must place great emphasis on conserving foreign exchange in the current situation,” Modi said.
The prime minister encouraged citizens to rely more on public transportation, including metro systems, and to share vehicles whenever possible in an effort to lower petrol and diesel use.
India is the world’s third-largest importer and consumer of oil, making the country particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global crude prices. Despite a recent surge in international oil markets, the Indian government said late last month that it had no immediate plans to increase retail fuel prices.
Modi’s appeal comes as governments across Asia face mounting economic pressure from elevated energy costs and global supply uncertainty.
In addition to fuel conservation, Modi urged Indians to avoid unnecessary overseas travel for at least a year, particularly costly destination weddings and luxury trips abroad.
He also appealed to households to reduce gold purchases, a major source of import expenditure in India, especially during the wedding season.
Analysts say India’s heavy dependence on imported oil and gold places sustained pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves during periods of global market volatility.
Meanwhile, Modi linked economic discipline with public health and sustainability, encouraging families to lower cooking oil consumption.
He described cutting edible oil use as both a healthier and “patriotic” step that could help reduce import dependence.
The prime minister also called on farmers to reduce fertilizer use by up to 50%, as part of broader efforts to lower import costs and promote efficient resource management.
The remarks reflect growing concern within New Delhi over the economic impact of volatile commodity prices and external financial pressures.
India has sought to balance inflation management with economic growth while shielding consumers from sharp increases in fuel and food costs. Officials have repeatedly stressed the need to preserve foreign exchange reserves and reduce reliance on imported commodities.
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