‘Reduce Petrol, Diesel Use; Prioritise Work From Home’: PM Modi’s Appeal Amid Global Oil Crisis

Emphasising

that India must prepare collectively to face the impact of global instability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures, prioritise work from home and reduce unnecessary foreign travel amid rising global prices triggered by war in West Asia. Addressing a Telangana BJP rally in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister said the Centre is making efforts to shield people from the adverse effects of the conflict, but citizens must also contribute by changing daily habits and reducing pressure on resources.

PM Calls For Fuel Conservation

Referring to disruptions caused by the ongoing global crisis, PM Modi said rising prices of petrol, diesel and fertilisers have increased pressure on economies worldwide."In this time of global crisis, we have to make a resolution keeping duty paramount and fulfil it with complete dedication. A big resolution is to use petrol and diesel sparingly. We must curb our use of petrol and diesel. In cities with metro lines, we should decide to travel by metro only. If we must use a car, then we should try to carpool... People with electric vehicles should try to use them as much as possible."He also pointed how habits developed during the Covid-19 pandemic can once again help the country save fuel and foreign exchange. "During the Corona period, we developed many systems of work from home, online meetings, and video conferences, and we even became accustomed to them. Today, the demands of the times are such that if we restart these systems, it will be in the national interest. We must prioritise work from home, online conferences, and virtual meetings again."

‘Patriotism Is Also About Fulfilling Duties’

The Prime Minister also urged people to avoid foreign trips during the crisis period."We must also place a strong emphasis on saving foreign exchange, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally... It is our responsibility to save the foreign currency spent on purchasing petrol and diesel... The growing culture of weddings abroad, travelling abroad, and vacationing abroad is becoming prevalent among the middle class. We must decide that during this time of crisis, we should postpone travelling abroad for at least a year..."Highlighting the importance of national responsibility during crises, PM Modi added, "... But friends, when the supply chain continues to be in crisis, no matter what measures we take, the difficulties only increase. Therefore, now we must fight unitedly, keeping the country and Mother India first. We must remember that patriotism is not just about dying for the country. Living for the country and fulfilling our duties to the country is also patriotism."