NPN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the citizens of the country to conserve petrol and diesel—his second such appeal within 24 hours. Additionally, he has urged people to refrain from purchasing gold and has emphasized the need to reduce oil consumption. Earlier, while speaking in Hyderabad, he stated that the nation's citizens should once again implement the measures adopted during the COVID-19 era. These measures included working from home, attending online classes, and conducting virtual meetings. Conditions are emerging that suggest a potential resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran. Should this occur, it would have a severe impact on numerous countries across the globe, including India. It is for this very reason that PM Modi is appealing to the people to make slight adjustments to their daily habits, thereby mitigating the potential adverse effects of such a conflict on the nation. US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposal and has issued a warning of a massive retaliatory strike. Israel, too, has signaled its intent to launch an attack on Iran. Consequently, apprehensions are mounting that a war could once again erupt in West Asia. If this scenario unfolds, India's gas supply is likely to be disrupted. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could be halted, and crude oil prices could skyrocket. It is to prepare the nation for such contingencies that PM Modi is alerting the public. **Drawing Parallels with the COVID-19 Era** While addressing a gathering in Vadodara, Gujarat, PM Modi remarked that whenever India has faced a war or a major crisis, its citizens have consistently risen to the occasion and fulfilled their responsibilities in response to the government's appeals. He asserted that we must demonstrate the same spirit of cooperation once again. Commenting on the situation arising from the potential conflict with Iran, he described the crisis in West Asia as one of the most severe challenges of this decade; however, he expressed confidence that—just as we successfully overcame the COVID-19 pandemic—we would triumph over this challenge as well. He further highlighted that the government is working relentlessly to position India as a key partner within global supply chains. **An Appeal to Conserve Foreign Exchange** The Prime Minister once again called upon the citizens to curtail their fuel consumption and to opt for public transportation or electric vehicles. He also urged the public to defer the purchase of gold. He clarified that we must make every possible effort to reduce our reliance on imports and refrain from personal activities that entail the expenditure of foreign currency. **Call to Reduce Consumption of Oil and Fertilizers** Speaking in Hyderabad, PM Modi stated that people should reduce their oil consumption. In the year 2025–26, India imported edible oil worth ₹1.85 lakh crore. If every household reduces its oil consumption—even slightly—the country's overall import of edible oil will decrease, thereby conserving the nation's foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, he urged farmers to reduce their use of fertilizers by up to 50 percent. He clarified that doing so would improve the quality of produce, enhance the soil's fertility, and ensure that farmers do not have to face fertilizer shortages.