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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drastically reduced the size of his motorcade to conserve fuel, according to a government source on Wednesday. This change comes just days after Modi called on citizens to practice austerity, especially amid rising energy costs caused by the ongoing Iran conflict.
On Sunday, Modi urged the public to cut back on non-essential travel abroad, rely on public transportation, limit gold purchases, and reduce their consumption of cooking oils. This appeal was prompted by soaring global energy prices, which are putting pressure on India’s foreign currency reserves.
In response, some critics on social media questioned the extensive motorcades of senior officials, Modi’s domestic flights, and his upcoming trip to Europe aboard his official aircraft. The prime minister’s convoy now features fewer vehicles but maintains all necessary security measures, following protocols established by the Special Protection Group responsible for his safety. While exact numbers weren’t disclosed, it was previously known that Modi’s motorcade consisted of around a dozen vehicles.
Modi has also scaled back his motorcade for recent visits to his home state of Gujarat and the northeastern state of Assam. Additionally, he requested that electric vehicles be integrated where possible, without any new purchases.
The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to comment on these changes. As the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, India heavily depends on the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed due to the war between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition, for oil, natural gas, and cooking gas supplies.
Rising oil prices threaten to increase India’s current account deficit, slow economic growth, and boost inflation. Despite efforts to avoid increasing fuel prices thus far, a hike appears likely as tensions in the Middle East persist.
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