New Delhi: As fuel prices and global oil concerns rise amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to lead by example by reportedly cutting the size of his official convoy by half.
While the move is being projected as a symbolic push for austerity and fuel conservation, it has also sparked questions over whether reducing the Prime Minister's convoy could create new security challenges.
According to reports citing official sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG), which handles the Prime Minister's security, has been instructed to significantly reduce the number of vehicles accompanying the Prime Minister during travel.
Sources said the move aims to conserve fuel while ensuring that mandatory security protocols remain fully intact.
The reported directive comes shortly after Modi appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures in response to economic pressures emerging from the prolonged conflict in West Asia.
Push for electric vehicles in PM convoy
Sources also stated that the Prime Minister has encouraged greater use of electric vehicles within the convoy wherever possible.
However, officials were reportedly instructed not to purchase new vehicles for the transition in order to avoid additional government expenditure.
The move is being viewed as both a symbolic and administrative step aimed at promoting fuel conservation during a period of global energy uncertainty.
Modi's wider austerity appeals
Earlier this week, Narendra Modi made several public appeals aimed at reducing fuel consumption and protecting India's foreign exchange reserves amid rising crude oil prices.
The measures included:
- Using public transport and metro services more frequently
- Reducing unnecessary petrol and diesel consumption
- Avoiding foreign travel for a year where possible
- Delaying gold purchases to conserve foreign exchange
The appeals came as oil prices continued to remain elevated following the ongoing US-Iran conflict and instability in West Asia.
BJP leaders back fuel conservation call
Several BJP leaders have publicly supported the Prime Minister's conservation measures.
Rekha Gupta announced that Delhi government departments and BJP representatives would limit vehicle usage for official work and prioritise carpooling and public transport wherever possible.
In a social media post, she said ministers, MLAs and government officials would aim to use the minimum number of vehicles required for official duties.
Economic concerns rise amid global conflict
The prolonged US-Iran conflict has increased concerns globally over oil supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.
For India, which imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, sustained increases in oil prices could place pressure on inflation, transport costs and foreign exchange reserves.
The Prime Minister's latest move to scale down his convoy is being seen as part of a broader effort to project fiscal restraint and encourage nationwide fuel conservation during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.