Amid continuing global energy disruptions and rising import costs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for major lifestyle changes to help India conserve foreign exchange and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Addressing an event in Hyderabad, Modi urged citizens to limit the use of petrol and diesel, revive work-from-home practices where possible, and rely more on public transport, carpooling, and electric vehicles. His remarks come as disruptions in global energy supply chains — particularly the prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — continue to affect oil and gas availability and push up crude prices for Indian refiners.
India, which imports nearly 90% of its crude oil needs, has so far avoided increasing fuel prices sharply, though revisions are expected in the coming days.
The Prime Minister also appealed to people to postpone non-essential foreign travel, overseas weddings, and unnecessary purchases of gold for at least a year in order to reduce pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
“If we make a few small changes for a year, we can save substantial foreign exchange,” Modi said, framing the measures as a national responsibility during a period of global instability.
Drawing parallels with Covid-era efficiency measures, Modi suggested companies reintroduce work-from-home arrangements to reduce fuel consumption. He also encouraged businesses to shift cargo transport from roads to railways wherever possible.
In a broader push for self-reliance and sustainability, Modi called on citizens to support “Make in India” products and adopt alternatives such as electric vehicles and solar-powered irrigation pumps instead of diesel-operated systems.
The Prime Minister also addressed agricultural concerns arising from disruptions in fertiliser supplies. He advised farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and explore natural farming practices in some cases. Highlighting government subsidies, he noted that while a bag of urea costs around ₹3,000 internationally, Indian farmers receive it for approximately ₹300.
Modi additionally advocated reducing cooking oil consumption by 50%, arguing that the measure would not only lower import dependence but also improve public health.
Invoking patriotism, he said that serving the nation is not only about sacrifice in extraordinary times but also about adopting responsible habits and fulfilling civic duties during periods of economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
