Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and return to remote work where possible. He stated that such measures would help ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves amid rising global energy prices.

The unusual appeal comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The worsening situation around Iran has led to an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Persian Gulf countries to global markets. This has caused a sharp rise in fuel and industrial product prices worldwide. Modi cited this situation as the main reason for his appeal during a rally in Hyderabad.

In his address, Modi emphasized the need for India to focus on saving foreign currency. He proposed greater use of online meetings and work-from-home practices, which became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prime minister also urged citizens to use public transport more frequently, including the metro, and to carpool whenever possible.

Modi specifically addressed imports, recommending that people temporarily refrain from buying gold, on which Indians traditionally spend large sums during weddings, and cut back on non-essential foreign trips for at least a year.

He also advised families to reduce consumption of vegetable oil, calling it not only healthy but a "patriotic step." Farmers, meanwhile, were urged to nearly halve their use of fertilizers.

Earlier, experts from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that ships carrying critical agricultural resources must resume movement through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, or the world risks a sharp spike in food prices and a repeat of crisis consequences similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: podrobno.uz