Revive Covid-era WFH, save fuel, avoid foreign trips: Modi appeals as West Asia war strains economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to revive some work-from-home practices adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic reduce fuel consumption and avoid non-essential foreign travel for a year, among a series of measures he proposed to help the country withstand global economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions amid the West Asia conflict.

Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, Modi called for “nationally responsible” lifestyle choices during the crisis and said people should place “the country above all else”, The Indian Express reported.

Nation First Duty Above Comfort!

PM @narendramodi gave 7 important appeals to strengthen India during challenging global times prioritize work from home wherever possible, reduce fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel for a year, adopt Swadeshi products, cut down cooking oil… pic.twitter.com/jhDGYTarH6— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) May 10, 2026

Referring to the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and rising energy prices, Modi said imported petroleum products should be used “only as per need” to lessen the impact of the conflict on India’s economy, The Indian Express reported.

India imports 88% of its crude oil needs and about half of its natural gas requirement. This mostly comes through the strait, which has been effectively blocked due to the conflict in West Asia.

Modi urged people to “use metros wherever metros are available” and “use carpooling to go to places, and use the railways…to transport goods”, the...

Read more