Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a 50% reduction in his official convoy size as part of a nationwide fuel conservation initiative amid rising global crude prices and the ongoing Iran conflict.
He also directed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to increase the use of electric vehicles without purchasing new ones, focusing on resource optimisation.
Sources confirmed that Modi implemented the reduced convoy during recent visits to Vadodara and Guwahati. Security arrangements remain intact, but the move aims to promote responsible fuel usage and set an example during economic uncertainty linked to the West Asia crisis. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared a crisis response plan with chief ministers, encouraging similar austerity measures.
The plan advised greater use of electric vehicles, reduced fuel consumption, and reliance on online meetings to minimise travel. BJP-ruled states have begun following the directive, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav trimming their motorcades.
Modi recently appealed to citizens to adopt “nationally responsible” lifestyle choices, urging them to reduce fuel consumption, avoid non-essential travel, and prioritise local products over imports. He also advised people to pause gold purchases for one year to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves and embrace work-from-home practices to cut travel-related fuel use.
The Prime Minister’s austerity push reflects a coordinated effort to balance economic stability and environmental responsibility during global turbulence.
