Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to save fuel, avoid unnecessary gold purchases, and limit foreign travel as concerns over the global economic crisis continue to grow. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, Modi said the country must act responsibly to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and manage the impact of rising oil prices caused by tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global energy supplies.
The Prime Minister said India could reduce fuel consumption by encouraging work-from-home arrangements, online meetings, and virtual conferences whenever possible. He pointed out that such measures had worked effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic and could once again help lower fuel demand and ease economic pressure on the country.
Key Highlights
- Narendra Modi urges fuel savings and reduced gold imports amid global economic concerns
- Rising oil prices and West Asia tensions push India to focus on foreign exchange conservation
Modi also encouraged people to use public transport, metro services, and carpooling instead of relying heavily on private vehicles. According to him, even small changes in daily habits can help India reduce its dependence on imported fuel and protect the economy during uncertain times.
Another major point in Modi’s appeal was his request for citizens to temporarily stop buying gold unless absolutely necessary. India is one of the world’s largest importers of gold, and the Prime Minister said reducing gold imports would help conserve valuable foreign exchange reserves. He urged families to avoid large gold purchases during weddings and festivals for at least a year in the national interest.
The Prime Minister further advised households to reduce edible oil consumption by around 10 percent. He linked the suggestion to both economic savings and healthier lifestyles, saying collective efforts from citizens could make a meaningful difference during a difficult global situation.
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Modi also appealed to people to avoid non-essential foreign travel and instead support domestic tourism and locally made products. Repeating his Vocal for Local message, he said supporting Indian businesses would strengthen the country’s economy during a period of international instability.
The remarks quickly sparked political debate, with opposition leaders questioning whether the government was fully transparent about the seriousness of the crisis. Some opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on the economic challenges facing the country and the government’s plans to address them.
