Narendra Modi Urges Indians to Cut Fuel Use, Buy Less Gold

Prime Minister narendra modi urged Indians in Hyderabad on Sunday to work from home, limit foreign travel, buy less gold and conserve fuel as global energy prices rose. He said the steps would reduce fuel use and save foreign exchange, and he tied the appeal to daily conduct rather than border sacrifice.

Modi told the crowd, "Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one's life on the border." He added, "In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives."

Hyderabad Appeal

At the public event in the southern city, he also urged people to use public transport such as the metro and to carpool. He asked farmers to reduce use of fertiliser by half. The appeal came as India imports 90% of its oil and has faced a multi-billion dollar spike in its crude bill since the US and Israel's war on Iran.

Modi said, "In the current situation, we must place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange." He also asked Indians to revive working from home and to limit foreign travel, linking those choices to the pressure on fuel use and reserves.

Oil Supplies And Pressure

The strain has built over more than two-and-a-half months, with the Strait of Hormuz shut during the crisis. The International Energy Agency described the war in Iran and the choking of the strait as the "largest supply disruption in history."

Analysts described Modi's appeal as the "most drastic" so far. India has so far avoided raising petrol and diesel prices at the pump despite mounting pressure on state-run fuel retailers, while the prolonged conflict and disruption to oil supplies have begun to strain the broader economy.

Rahul Gandhi Response

On Monday, the Sensex index fell more than 1,000 points in early trade. India also faces pressure in factories that make glass and plastic products and tiles, where hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk, while dwindling fertiliser supplies have raised concerns about lower farm produce and higher food prices.

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi's remarks, saying the government was shifting "responsibility onto the people" and escaping accountability themselves. He said, "[Modi's suggestions] aren't sermons - these are proofs of failure."

For Indians being asked to change routine spending and travel habits, the immediate step is clear from Modi's own pitch: cut fuel use where possible, avoid nonessential foreign travel and use public transport or carpools when available.