New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to use petrol, diesel, and gas with “great restraint” amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it the “need of the hour.”
Speaking in Hyderabad after inaugurating development projects worth approximately Rs 9,400 crore, the Prime Minister said reducing dependence on imported petroleum products would help save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of the US-Iran conflict.
“Today, the need of the hour is to use petrol, gas, diesel and such things with great restraint. We have to use imported petro products only as needed. This will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the adverse impact of war,” PM Modi said.
He stressed the importance of energy security, stating that his government is making significant investments in the sector. “Every person in the world today is feeling the importance of energy security. That is why our central government is making unprecedented investments in India’s energy security,” he added.
The Prime Minister noted that India has made major progress in renewable energy over the past few years, reaching the top tier of countries in solar power generation.
His remarks came amid a global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Following US and Israeli attacks on February 28, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s fuel supply passes. The blockade has severely disrupted gas and crude supplies from Gulf countries.
While a ceasefire was announced between the US and Iran, diplomatic negotiations have so far failed to resolve the crisis. The conflict continues to impact energy supplies worldwide, including India.