Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale travelled from Vidhan Bhavan to BKC by Mumbai Metro, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel and promote public transport amid rising global energy prices.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale travelled by Mumbai Metro from Vidhan Bhavan to BKC following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel pic.twitter.com/bNX1y5VmPS
— IANS (@ians_india) May 12, 2026
Talking about the gesture, Athawale said, “Indian ranks fourth in economy. To stop it from sliding further the PM has appealed to reduce petrol, diesel usage, to not buy gold, to avoid unnecessary abroad travel…I will try to use metro for commuting, and I’d request the mass to adhere to PM Modi’s appeal.”
PM outlines economic self-reliance push in Hyderabad address
The gesture comes in the backdrop of PM Modi’s broader push for economic self-reliance, where he recently outlined seven key appeals while addressing a function in Hyderabad. Among them was a call to reduce fuel consumption, increase use of public transport and carpooling, and strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale travels by metro following PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce petrol and diesel usage and promote public transport, says, “Indian ranks 4th in economy. To stop it from sliding further the PM has appealed to reduce petrol, diesel… pic.twitter.com/SKYZrETRVs
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026
Focus on Viksit Bharat and sustainable practices
The Prime Minister stressed that self-reliance and organic farming are essential for achieving India’s long-term goal of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. He also urged farmers to reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilisers and encouraged citizens to cut down on edible oil consumption.
Appeal amid global crude price volatility
Amid the West Asia crisis and volatile global crude prices crossing 100 US dollars per barrel and recently touching a 52-week high of 126 US dollars, PM Modi called on citizens to help conserve foreign exchange reserves by reducing reliance on imported fuel and adopting energy-efficient practices.
Call to curb discretionary spending and promote work-from-home
He further urged people to reconsider discretionary spending, including limiting foreign travel for a year, reducing destination weddings abroad, and cutting excessive gold purchases. The Indian Prime Minister also suggested a revival of work-from-home practices wherever feasible.
Congress attacks government over oil import dependence
Meanwhile, the Congress party took a sharp dig at the Prime Minister over his appeal. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the government itself had contributed to India’s rising dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas.
Jairam Ramesh questions past investments
In a post on X, he said the BJP-led government should first explain the outcomes of “fraudulent investments” in GSPC and its merger into ONGC, instead of shifting responsibility to consumers.
Political debate intensifies over fuel policy
The political exchange has added a sharp edge to the government’s fuel conservation and self-reliance messaging, even as global energy markets remain under pressure due to geopolitical tensions.
