Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to cut fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and reduce gold purchases has triggered sharp political reactions. On Sunday, PM Modi spoke about global disruptions impacting fuel supplies and encouraged citizens to use resources with restraint. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, PM Modi said, "Today, the need of the hour is to use petrol, gas, diesel and similar resources with restraint. We must use imported petroleum products only as needed. This will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the adverse impact of war."
The Opposition is now questioning the gravity of the situation and has asked the government to come clean on the crisis. LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Modi ji demanded sacrifices from the public yesterday - don't buy gold, don't go abroad, use less petrol, cut down on fertilizer and cooking oil, take the metro, work from home. These aren't sermons - these are proofs of failure. In 12 years, he's brought the country to such a pass that the public has to be told - what to buy, what not to buy, where to go, where not to go. Every time, they shift the responsibility onto the people so they can escape accountability themselves. Running the country is no longer within the reach of a Compromised PM."
Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram said, "These are very serious 'directives' from the @PMOIndia, what are the triggers for this? The Government must convene Parliament immediately & take the nation into confidence & inform us about the true state of affairs which has necessitated these 'appeals'."
TMC leader Sagarika Ghose tweeted, "Citizens, save fuel, avoid foreign travel, tighten your belts says @narendramodi. Meanwhile, Frequent Flyer PM departs on multi-country luxury diplomacy tour immediately after elections for some R&R. For the people: austerity. For the ruler: aviation miles. Btw how much fuel was burned by @BJP4India. netas flying in and out of Bengal for weeks. Not to forget massive VIP movement for grand swearing ins for @BJP4India CMs. Raja mast, janta trast."
Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) said, "Policy failure to handle the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Election related decisions cannot now be dumped at the door of the citizens and asked to conserve oil and curtail travel/purchases. The citizens are anyway bearing the impact of this government’s chunaav focused governance and award collecting foreign relations."
PM Modi, in his Hyderabad speech, had referred to the impact of global conflicts, supply chain disruptions and rising import costs as India battles prolonged turbulence in the energy market. The remarks come as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz stretches close to 75 days, affecting oil and gas supplies and pushing up crude prices globally.
India imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil needs, making it highly vulnerable to global supply shocks.
Against this backdrop, PM Modi called for a return to some Covid-era practices such as work from home arrangements, carpooling and greater use of public transport. He also appealed to citizens to avoid "non-essential" overseas travel and postpone unnecessary gold purchases for a year.
"If we make a few small changes for a year, we can save substantial foreign exchange," he said. He also suggested reducing cooking oil consumption by half, saying it would not only help the economy but also improve public health.
"Our government is working tirelessly to navigate these challenges," he said.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
