PM Modi Calls for Reduced Fuel Use, Foreign Travel Amid Global Oil Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 10, 2026, called on Indian citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid non-essential foreign travel, and limit gold purchases to help the country manage economic pressures from surging global crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Speaking at a public rally in Hyderabad, Modi framed energy conservation and import reduction as acts of patriotism and national responsibility.

Modi urged the public to embrace work-from-home, use metro and public transport, adopt car-pooling, and shift to electric vehicles to cut diesel and petrol demand. He advocated domestic tourism over foreign trips and asked families to reduce edible oil consumption, while calling for a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer use and a transition to natural farming. He highlighted government fertilizer subsidies, noting that farmers receive 50-kg bags for under ₹300 despite international prices near ₹3,000.

The Prime Minister reiterated the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, urging Indians to prioritize Swadeshi goods in daily use and reduce dependence on imported products. He stressed that economic resilience required collective action beyond political lines and called on media and civil society to support the effort. Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, and State BJP chief N. Ramachandra Rao attended the event.

Officials stated that the finance and energy ministries will review public response in the coming weeks and consider additional measures to stabilize fuel demand and foreign exchange reserves. The Prime Minister's Office will issue follow-up guidelines on promoting domestic alternatives in transport, agriculture, and consumer goods.