Austerity measures urged by Modi as West Asia crisis hits oil, travel, and consumer spending

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday repeated a public appeal for austerity steps. Narendra Modi linked the call to disruptions from the West Asia conflict. Narendra Modi urged people to cut fuel use and avoid spending foreign exchange. Narendra Modi also asked citizens to reduce edible oil use and delay gold purchases.

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Narendra Modi said the tensions in West Asia were affecting global supply chains. Narendra Modi noted India depended on West Asia for crude oil and gas. Narendra Modi said the conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Narendra Modi said oil prices had risen and disruptions were spreading worldwide.

West Asia crisis: Modi urges austerity and public cooperation

Narendra Modi said the world had faced repeated shocks in recent years. Narendra Modi referred to COVID-19 and later global economic stress. Narendra Modi called the West Asia situation a major crisis of this decade. "However, just as we were united in combating COVID-19, we will undoubtedly overcome this crisis as well,\" Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi said the government was working to limit the impact on citizens. Narendra Modi said the country also needed public participation. Narendra Modi urged people to act responsibly during a crisis. Narendra Modi said past wars and crises saw citizens respond to government appeals.

Narendra Modi said India spent hundreds of thousands of crores in foreign currency on imports. Narendra Modi said imported goods were getting costlier. Narendra Modi said supply chains were badly affected. \"Through every small and big effort, we must reduce our consumption of imported products and refrain from personal activities that involve the expenditure of foreign currency,\" Narendra Modi said.

West Asia crisis: Travel, weddings abroad and work-from-home

Narendra Modi appealed for limits on foreign travel during the crisis. Narendra Modi also suggested reviving work from home where possible. Narendra Modi said virtual meetings should be preferred in offices. \"I would also urge certain schools to prioritise the arrangement of online classes for the time being,\" the PM said.

Narendra Modi asked people to avoid foreign vacations and destination weddings abroad. Narendra Modi said these choices used large amounts of foreign currency. \"It is essential that we celebrate our vacations right here in India,\" Narendra Modi said. Narendra Modi added that the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar could be a tourism and wedding venue.

West Asia crisis: Fuel savings, public transport and edible oils

Narendra Modi said much of the world bought oil from West Asia. Narendra Modi said the region was currently in conflict. \"Therefore, until the situation returns to normalcy, we must all come together to undertake small, collective resolutions,\" Narendra Modi said. Narendra Modi said the issue was also raised in Karnataka and Telangana on Sunday.

Narendra Modi urged lower use of petrol and diesel where possible. Narendra Modi asked citizens to use Metro services and electric buses. Narendra Modi also encouraged broader use of public transport. \"Promote carpooling; those who own cars should carry multiple passengers in a single vehicle, and those who own electric two-wheelers should step forward to assist others,\" Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi called for reduced consumption of edible oils. Narendra Modi said India spent significant foreign exchange on edible oil imports. Narendra Modi also spoke about gold imports and outflows. \"I urge all of you to defer the purchase of gold until conditions return to normal; there is no immediate necessity for it gold buying,\" Narendra Modi said.

West Asia crisis: Local products, farming choices and national resolve

Narendra Modi urged people to buy local products instead of foreign goods. Narendra Modi advised cultivators to adopt natural farming to cut fertiliser use. Narendra Modi said fertilisers were another major imported item. \"The need of the hour is to transform vocal for local into a mass movement and to embrace local products instead of foreign goods,\" Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi said collective effort from 140 crore Indians could be a key strength. Narendra Modi said no crisis should slow India’s development path. Narendra Modi was speaking in Vadodara after inaugurating the Sardar Dham Hostel. The hostel was built by the Patidar community, and Narendra Modi addressed a gathering there.

Narendra Modi referred to recent assembly election results in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry. Narendra Modi said BJP or its allies had won and created enthusiasm. Narendra Modi also praised BJP’s local body poll performance in Gujarat. \"The people of Gujarat have always prioritised political stability,\" Narendra Modi said.

Narendra Modi said economic growth increased where political stability existed. At the event, nine Patidar organisations honoured Narendra Modi with the Sardar Gaurav Ratna award. The groups included Sardar Dham and Umiya Dham. After the programme, Narendra Modi held a 1.5-km-long roadshow in Vadodara.

With inputs from PTI