PM Modi Issues Appeal To The Nation Amid Middle East Conflict; Makes BIG Statement On Fuel Crisis

New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia and an atmosphere of global uncertainty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the citizens of the country to conserve petrol and diesel. PM Modi stated that during the COVID-19 period, the central government had established various systems and practices, and now the need of the hour is to revive those arrangements.

What did PM Modi say?

PM Modi remarked, "During the time of the coronavirus, we adopted 'Work from Home,' conducted online meetings, and held video conferences—we developed numerous such systems and even grew accustomed to them. Today, the demands of the times are such that reviving these systems would be in the national interest, and we must prioritize them once again. Given the current crisis, we must also place great emphasis on conserving foreign exchange. Since petrol and diesel have become exorbitantly expensive globally, it is the collective duty of us all to save the foreign currency that is otherwise spent on purchasing these fuels by simply conserving petrol and diesel."

Addressing the prevailing global uncertainty, PM Modi appealed to the nation's citizens to conserve petrol and diesel. He stated, "The world is currently grappling with several major challenges. Even as the world was navigating the COVID-19 era—and in the aftermath of the pandemic—the war in Ukraine broke out, further exacerbating global problems. The sectors of food, fuel, and fertilizers have been severely impacted. For the past five to six years, our government has been working relentlessly to tackle this crisis."

He added, "Due to the war, the prices of petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers have skyrocketed across the globe, breaching all previous limits. India does not possess large reserves of oil; consequently, we are compelled to import petrol, diesel, and gas in massive quantities from other nations."

Making a fervent appeal, he urged, "In the midst of this global crisis, we must undertake certain resolutions and fulfill them with unwavering dedication. One such major resolution is the judicious use of petrol and diesel. We must curtail our consumption of these fuels. In cities where metro services are available, we should utilize the metro as much as possible. If traveling by car is unavoidable, we should opt for car-pooling." PM Modi stated, "If goods need to be transported from one place to another, we should strive to utilize railway freight services as much as possible, since electric trains do not require petrol or diesel. Those who own electric vehicles should also endeavor to make maximum use of them."

He added, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adopted 'Work from Home,' conducted online meetings, and held video conferences—we developed numerous such systems and even grew accustomed to them. Today, the need of the hour is to reactivate these systems; doing so would be in the national interest, and we must prioritize them once again. Given the current crisis, we must also place great emphasis on conserving foreign exchange. Since petrol and diesel have become exorbitantly expensive globally, it is the collective duty of us all to save the foreign currency that is otherwise spent on purchasing these fuels by simply conserving petrol and diesel."

What appeal did PM Modi issue for the people?

PM Modi appealed to the public to refrain from undertaking foreign tours for at least one year. He observed, "Nowadays, there is a growing trend among the middle class toward destination weddings, international travel, and vacationing abroad. At a time when the nation is facing a crisis—and our patriotism calls upon us—we should resolve to postpone all foreign travel for at least one year. India itself is home to countless beautiful destinations that one can explore."

He further remarked, "In the past, whenever the nation faced a crisis or was at war, people would donate gold in the national interest. Today, there is no need for such donations. However, in the interest of the nation, we should make a firm resolution that for an entire year—regardless of any ceremonies or events taking place within our households—we will refrain from purchasing gold jewelry."