Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to adopt significant changes in consumption habits to help the country withstand global economic disruptions caused by the Iran war. Speaking at a public meeting in Hyderabad on May 11, Modi urged reduced use of fuel and edible oil, and measures to conserve foreign exchange reserves.

The prime minister encouraged the use of public transport and electric vehicles, and a return to work-from-home practices that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described these as being in the "national interest" and the "need of the hour."

Modi also advised postponing unnecessary foreign travel, including destination weddings, and avoiding non-essential gold purchases for at least a year to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. "Patriotism is not only about sacrificing one's life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives," he said.

India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, is one of the few countries that has not raised retail petrol and diesel prices for domestic consumers despite supply disruptions. However, prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been increased.

Source: www.dw.com