Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and even postpone gold purchases for a year as India faces mounting economic pressure due to the ongoing West Asia crisis and soaring global crude oil prices.
Speaking during an event in Hyderabad, PM Modi stressed the importance of conserving foreign exchange reserves at a time when crude oil prices have surged sharply because of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East conflict. Reports suggest global oil prices recently touched nearly 126 dollars per barrel, increasing concerns over India’s rising import bill.
The Prime Minister urged people to adopt practical measures such as using public transport, carpooling, reviving work-from-home systems, and reducing unnecessary petrol and diesel consumption. He also encouraged citizens to prefer domestic tourism over expensive international vacations to help reduce pressure on foreign currency reserves.
One of the most discussed parts of Modi’s speech was his appeal to Indians to avoid buying gold for at least one year. India is among the world’s largest gold importers, and experts say heavy gold imports during periods of high oil prices can put additional strain on the rupee and widen the country’s current account deficit.
PM Modi also advised people to reduce edible oil consumption and encouraged farmers to lower dependence on imported chemical fertilisers by adopting natural farming methods and solar-powered irrigation systems. According to him, such measures are necessary to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s economic resilience during uncertain global conditions.
The remarks quickly triggered political reactions across the country. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticised the government and claimed the appeals reflected growing economic pressure on ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, supporters of the government defended the Prime Minister’s message as a call for national responsibility during a global crisis.
Economists believe the government’s focus is currently on protecting India’s foreign exchange reserves and stabilising the rupee as rising oil prices continue to impact import costs and inflation. Analysts also warned that prolonged geopolitical tensions in West Asia could further affect fuel prices and economic growth in the coming months.
