Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the size of his official motorcade in a bid to conserve fuel, according to a government source on Wednesday, as India grapples with rising global energy prices linked to tensions involving Iran.
The move follows Modi’s public appeal on Sunday urging citizens to adopt austerity measures, including limiting unnecessary travel, using public transport and cutting household consumption, as fuel costs strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The source said the reduction was implemented without compromising security requirements set by the Special Protection Group, which oversees the prime minister’s protection. Modi’s convoy previously consisted of about a dozen vehicles.
The scaled-down motorcade was reportedly used during Modi’s recent visits to Gujarat and Assam, with efforts also underway to include electric vehicles where operationally feasible.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, remains heavily reliant on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, making it vulnerable to disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Analysts warn sustained high oil prices could widen India’s current account deficit, fuel inflation and pressure domestic fuel prices, with a petrol and diesel price hike increasingly likely.