Use petrol and diesel with restraint”: PM Modi calls for nationwide economic discipline amid global tensions

Rashmi Pandey — Sun, 10 May 2026 15:08:28 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for collective public participation to help India tackle global economic disruptions, supply chain pressures and rising costs linked to ongoing international conflicts, particularly the crisis in West Asia.

Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad during his Telangana visit, Modi urged citizens to reduce dependence on imported fuel and adopt measures aimed at protecting India’s economy and foreign exchange reserves.

The Prime Minister said patriotism was not limited to sacrificing one’s life for the nation but also included responsible behaviour during challenging times. Stressing energy conservation, he appealed to people to use petrol, diesel and cooking gas “with great restraint” and encouraged wider use of metros, public transport, car-pooling and electric vehicles wherever possible.

Modi also suggested reviving some efficiency practices seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, including work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings and online conferences, to reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary travel. According to reports, he further encouraged industries and businesses to prefer railway transport for movement of goods in order to cut logistics costs and fuel usage.

In his address, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel, overseas weddings and international vacations for the time being, urging people instead to support domestic tourism and spend within India to help conserve foreign exchange reserves. He also requested people to avoid non-essential gold purchases for one year, warning that heavy imports place additional pressure on the economy.

Emphasising self-reliance, Modi urged citizens to prioritise Made-in-India products, including daily-use consumer goods such as footwear, bags and accessories. He also called on families to reduce edible oil consumption, saying the move would benefit both personal health and the country’s import bill.

Addressing farmers, Modi encouraged a 50 percent reduction in chemical fertiliser use and promoted natural farming practices to improve soil health and reduce import dependence. He also pushed for wider adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps as an alternative to diesel pumps in agriculture.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as India continues monitoring the economic impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict, particularly on fuel prices, shipping routes and energy security. The Centre has repeatedly stated that petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain stable across the country despite global uncertainties.

EconomicDisruptions | Business Upturn

Use petrol and diesel with restraint”: PM Modi calls for nationwide economic discipline amid global tensions