Authorities in New Delhi announced emergency measures today to reduce fuel consumption over the next 90 days, including partial remote work for public employees and appeals for car-free days.
The decision comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the population to cut gasoline and diesel usage amid global disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has placed immense pressure on energy supplies, prompting local leaders to take drastic action to preserve the nation’s strategic fuel reserves.
New Delhi Mayor Rekha Gupta announced the implementation of two remote work days per week for public officials whose roles allow for telecommuting starting immediately.
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Gupta also called on the private sector to voluntarily adopt similar measures to further decrease the daily traffic and fuel demand within the capital city.
The emergency plan includes a significant reduction in official travel, the cancellation of large government events for three months, and a one-year suspension of foreign trips.
Local authorities also announced a six-month freeze on the purchase of new vehicles powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), or even hybrid systems.
India remains one of the few regional countries where pump prices have not yet spiked and formal fuel rationing has not been introduced for the public.
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However, the Middle East conflict has already caused a significant rise in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is essential for cooking in millions of homes.
On Sunday, Narendra Modi warned of the severe economic impact of the energy crisis and appealed to the public for restraint in the use of foreign currency.
India is the world’s third-largest consumer of oil and depends heavily on energy imports, particularly crude oil transported through the strategic Strait of Hormuz route.
The global energy market continues to watch the region closely, as any prolonged disruption to Gulf exports could force even more stringent measures across the Indian subcontinent.
