Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel as supply disruptions linked to the Middle East war strain global energy markets. Speaking in Telangana, he encouraged citizens in cities with metro systems to use public transport and to consider carpooling when private vehicles are necessary.

India has so far avoided raising petrol and diesel prices or rationing supplies, but it has increased the cost of liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking. The disruption follows military strikes involving the United States and Israel that led to Iran restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

Modi stressed the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves, noting that rising global fuel prices are increasing the country’s import bill. He also called for a return to energy saving measures adopted during the coronavirus pandemic, including working from home and holding meetings online.