PM Modi's Call for Fuel Conservation Echoed by Maharashtra CM's Economy Flight
In response to escalating tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for fuel conservation, urging citizens to adopt frugal practices. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exemplified this by traveling in economy class on an IndiGo flight from Pune to Bengaluru. Modi's appeal emphasizes the need for collective responsibility to protect India's economy, as he encourages reduced fuel consumption and non-essential travel. Political leaders have reacted, questioning the government's handling of rising fuel prices. This article explores the implications of Modi's message and the subsequent actions taken by government officials.
May 15, 2026, 19:06 IST
Maharashtra CM Travels in Economy Class Amid Fuel Conservation Appeal
In light of escalating conflicts in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to practice frugality and conserve fuel. This call coincided with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being spotted on an IndiGo economy flight from Pune to Bengaluru. This event follows a speech by PM Modi on May 11 in Vadodara, where he emphasized the need for collective responsibility to shield India's economy from the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
During his address, Modi encouraged the public to reduce unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel, avoid non-essential international travel, postpone gold purchases, utilize public transport whenever possible, and revive practices like working from home, online classes, and virtual meetings. He characterized the current conflict as one of the most significant crises of the decade, stressing the importance of conserving foreign currency and alleviating pressure on fuel imports due to tensions affecting global oil markets around the Hormuz Strait.
Following this appeal, the central government and various sectors have begun signaling austerity measures. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister has reduced the size of his convoy to save fuel and is promoting greater use of electric vehicles for official travel. Amid rising crude oil prices and concerns over potential supply disruptions, government departments and Indian companies are discussing emergency measures such as fuel conservation strategies and curbing unnecessary expenditures.
Political reactions have also emerged in response to this appeal. Opposition leaders, including Sharad Pawar and members of Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi, have questioned the central government regarding the increase in fuel prices, asserting that austerity measures should begin with those in power.