PM austerity appeal: State leaders take steps to limit their fuel use

In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s‘seven appeals’ for responsible fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reduced the size of his convoy to less than half on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).

The reduction in the number of vehicles in the Home Minister’s convoy has been implemented as part of a broader government effort to promote efficient resource use while maintaining all mandatory security arrangements.

Also Read: India managed the West Asia crisis to reduce impact on fuel consumers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also significantly reduced his convoy size, sources said on Wednesday (May 13). This change was implemented during his recent visits to Assam and Gujarat, while maintaining essential security components as per the Special Protection Group (SPG) protocol.

In another step aimed at promoting sustainability, Mr. Modi has also directed officials to include Electric Vehicles (EVs) in his convoy wherever feasible, without making any fresh purchases.

Other CMs follow suit

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and several other BJP leaders have also announced measures to reduce convoy sizes and fuel consumption.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also directed an immediate 50% reduction in the fleet of vehicles used by the Chief Minister, Ministers, and other officials. He also suggested that Ministers, MPs, MLAs and public representatives use public transport for one day every week.

The Uttar Pradesh Government further announced measures to promote a work-from-home culture, virtual meetings, carpooling, cycling and electric vehicles while urging citizens to conserve electricity and support the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also announced that her Cabinet colleagues, BJP MLAs and government officials would join her in using the minimum number of vehicles required for official work, and prioritise carpooling and public transport.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday travelled by Metro, as he vowed to use only public transport or one official vehicle when required, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity push.

“I will use public transport or only one government vehicle, when necessary,” he said. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood also travelled by Metro on Tuesday (May 12) for an inspection visit.

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said there would be a minimum number of vehicles in his convoy from a security perspective and that ministers would also reduce vehicle usage during travel. He additionally appealed to citizens to increasingly adopt public transport.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a minimum of cars in his convoy. On Wednesday (May 13), the Chief Minister was seen moving in a reduced cavalcade of five cars. An official spokesperson said Mr. Sharma instructed that no unnecessary vehicles be used in his convoy, which must be kept to a minimum. Similar instructions have been issued to the Chief Secretary and other State officials, the spokesperson said.

In Maharashtra, the State Government has mandated that Ministers obtain prior approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office before using government aircraft in an effort to reduce non-essential air travel.

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he would travel within the State using trains, ST buses and public transport instead of helicopters and flights. Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi also cancelled his planned visit to the United States following the Prime Minister’s appeal.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said he had reduced the number of vehicles used by him by half and would undertake official travel only when necessary.

Addressing a gathering in Secunderabad earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi stressed that patriotism in the present time extends beyond guarding the country’s borders and also includes responsible conduct in daily life.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption to lower import dependence and called upon farmers to cut the use of chemical fertilisers and move towards natural farming practices.

(with inputs from ANI, PTI)