Modi urges Indians to reduce petrol and diesel use amid Middle East war disruption

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption as supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war push global fuel prices higher. He made the remarks while addressing a gathering in southern Telangana state, calling on Indians to carpool, use public transport, and revive work-from-home practices.

Why is Modi urging Indians to reduce petrol and diesel consumption?

Modi cited two reasons: supply disruptions from the ongoing Middle East war and the need to reduce foreign currency spending on fuel imports. Global petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to Iran's near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. "Petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally," he said.

What specific steps did Modi ask Indians to take?

Modi urged people in cities with metro networks to use public transport instead of private vehicles. Where car use was unavoidable, he encouraged carpooling. He also called for a return to work-from-home arrangements, online conferences, and virtual meetings, practices that were widely adopted during the Covid pandemic.

How has India responded to the fuel supply disruption?

India is one of few countries in the region that has not raised petrol and diesel prices for domestic consumers or introduced rationing. However, it has increased prices for liquefied petroleum gas, a primary cooking fuel, following the disruptions caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Modi also stressed the importance of conserving foreign exchange, given the rising cost of fuel imports.