PM Modi Advocates for Reduced Government Convoys Amid Rising Oil Prices

In response to rising global oil prices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to reduce expenses, leading to significant cuts in the number of vehicles used by government officials. Many ministers have halved their convoy sizes, with Modi himself arriving at a cabinet meeting with only four vehicles. This initiative extends to BJP-ruled states, where directives have been issued to minimize government spending and promote restraint. As a result, several ministers are adopting carpooling and public transport, reflecting a broader commitment to economic prudence during challenging times.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 17:30 IST

Prime Minister's Call for Economic Prudence

In light of escalating global oil prices due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to cut back on expenses. Following this appeal, several central ministers have reduced the number of vehicles in their official convoys. Many cabinet ministers have slashed the size of their security details by nearly 50%. Setting an example, the Prime Minister arrived at a cabinet meeting today with only four vehicles in his convoy, a significant departure from the usual protocol outlined in the Blue Book, which typically allows for 14 to 17 vehicles for his security.

Additionally, considering current security threats, state police personnel and vehicles are often included in the convoy, which can sometimes swell the total number of vehicles accompanying the Prime Minister to between 30 and 40. PM Modi has also advocated for increased use of electric vehicles. Sources indicate that he emphasized that no new vehicles should be purchased during this transition. Similarly, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who usually travels with a Z+ security detail of 11 vehicles, has now opted for a convoy of just four. Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister JP Nadda have also reduced their official convoys to four vehicles each, despite having Z+ security.

Steps Taken by BJP-ruled States

The initiative to cut expenses is not limited to Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet. Several BJP-ruled states have also issued directives aimed at reducing government spending and promoting restraint among ministers and officials. In Maharashtra, the government has prohibited ministers from using government aircraft at their discretion; now, flights can only be taken for essential government business with prior approval from the Chief Minister. Some ministers have even canceled their foreign trips.

In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on social media that ministers and government officials would use "minimum vehicles" and prioritize carpooling and public transport. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50% reduction in the size of convoys accompanying ministers and senior officials. Following this appeal, several legislators have begun to forgo their escort vehicles. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has started traveling with just three vehicles, while the state’s health and labor ministers have decided to completely eliminate escort vehicles.