PM Modi Applauds Citizens for Reducing Fuel Use and Gold Purchases Amid West Asia Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised Indian citizens for their conscious efforts to reduce fuel consumption and curb gold purchases in the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Addressing a public event, Modi highlighted the collective responsibility shown by the people in mitigating the impact of global geopolitical tensions on the domestic economy.
“Our citizens have shown remarkable maturity by voluntarily reducing unnecessary fuel usage and limiting gold imports during these challenging times. This not only helps in conserving resources but also strengthens our economy against external shocks,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid rising crude oil prices and uncertainty in global markets due to the conflict in West Asia. India, which imports around 85% of its crude oil, has been particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations.
The government had earlier urged citizens to limit discretionary consumption of fuel and gold to help stabilise the current account deficit. Gold imports, a major contributor to India’s import bill, have been under scrutiny as the rupee faced pressure against the dollar.
Economists have noted that a reduction in fuel and gold imports can ease pressure on the rupee and help contain inflation. “Every small step by citizens contributes to the nation’s economic resilience,” Modi added.
While no specific data was provided during the speech, official figures from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell indicate a slight dip in petrol and diesel consumption in recent months. Similarly, gold imports in the quarter ending September showed a marginal decline compared to the previous year.
The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment has been welcomed by various quarters, though some opposition leaders questioned the effectiveness of voluntary measures without structural policy changes. The government, however, maintains that citizen participation is key to navigating global uncertainties.
