Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity measures and reduced dependence on fuel-driven vehicles, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis travelled from his official residence, Varsha, to Mantralaya and Vidhan Bhavan on a Royal Enfield Classic 350 on Thursday.
BJP leader Ashish Shelar was seen riding pillion during the journey.
The initiative has gained visibility during the ongoing monsoon session at Vidhan Bhavan, where several political leaders have been opting for public transport and alternative modes of travel in response to the Prime Minister’s appeal.
The leaders echoed the message of adopting cost-effective and fuel-efficient transport choices amid rising global energy concerns.
CM Fadnavis says bike ride was symbolic support for PM Modi’s appeal
While speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the motorcycle ride was a symbolic gesture aimed at encouraging citizens and public representatives to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity and fuel conservation.
“I came on a motorcycle to support the Prime Minister’s decision, and I believe when leaders take such steps, it helps influence people as well. We should all support the Prime Minister’s decision,” Fadnavis said.
The Chief Minister’s move drew attention outside Mantralaya and Vidhan Bhavan on Thursday.
Maharashtra government cuts convoys, foreign tours and major events
Fadnavis said the state government has reduced official convoys, cancelled foreign tours, and put major government programmes on hold in support of the Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity and fuel conservation.
He further stated that after a scheduled programme in Satara on Friday, no major government events would be organised for the next six months.
Fadnavis calls Opposition criticism ‘immature’
Responding to questions raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders over the Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity measures, Fadnavis termed the criticism “immature” considering the current global situation.
He said several countries across the world have implemented much stricter measures during times of crisis, while the Prime Minister had merely appealed to citizens and governments to make small sacrifices and use resources judiciously.
CM cites past governments’ austerity measures
Fadnavis noted that similar austerity measures had also been implemented during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and P. V. Narasimha Rao, as well as during the tenure of former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.
Fadnavis defends PM Modi’s foreign visits
Defending Prime Minister Modi’s recent foreign visits, Fadnavis said the trips were important from a strategic and diplomatic perspective.
“The Prime Minister never said all foreign trips should stop. He said unnecessary or leisure trips should be avoided. Those making such allegations are behaving foolishly,” he said.
Use EVs, save fuel, encourage WFH, says Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde
Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to conserve diesel and cooking gas amid the prevailing war-like situation.
She added that people should prefer electric vehicles wherever feasible and promote work-from-home practices to reduce fuel consumption.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Mayor Ritu Tawde says, “Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, has appealed to the citizens that in the situation of a war-like environment, people should use diesel and cooking gas judiciously and opt for electric vehicles wherever possible. He has… pic.twitter.com/IjSP0RalH3
— IANS (@ians_india) May 14, 2026
Mumbai CNG price hiked by Rs 2 per kg; Mahanagar Gas Limited cites global energy crisis
Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) on Thursday announced a Rs 2 per kg hike in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in and around Mumbai, citing rising global energy procurement costs amid geopolitical uncertainties and increasing dependence on expensive fuel sources.
The revised rates came into effect from midnight of Wednesday and early morning of Thursday.
Following the hike, CNG in Mumbai will now retail at Rs 84 per kg, inclusive of all taxes.
Global energy disruptions behind price revision
According to the company, geopolitical disruptions affecting the global energy supply chain, along with rising crude oil prices and depreciation of the Indian rupee, have significantly increased overall gas procurement costs.
MGL stated that the surge in international energy prices and reliance on costlier gas sources left the company with no option but to revise CNG prices.
Revised CNG rates effective across Mumbai region
The revised CNG prices are applicable in and around Mumbai and have already come into force. The hike is expected to impact daily commuters, taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw operators, and commercial vehicle owners who rely heavily on CNG as a comparatively affordable fuel option.
MGL says CNG still cheaper than petrol and diesel
Despite the latest hike, MGL maintained that CNG continues to remain an economical fuel alternative for consumers. The company claimed that at current fuel price levels in Mumbai, CNG still offers savings of nearly 44 per cent compared to petrol and around 7 per cent compared to diesel.
