Following the recent seven-point appeal to the nation from Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the people of Gujarat to actively reduce their consumption of imported goods, particularly fuel, edible oil, and gold. Speaking at the inauguration of Sardardham-3 in Vadodara, Modi highlighted the severe economic strain caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, equating the crisis in West Asia to the COVID-19 pandemic in its magnitude. Curbing fuel and forex drain In a situation where global crude oil prices have surged by 50%—from $72.87 per barrel before the conflict on 27 February to $103.78 today—the Prime Minister stressed the need to minimise petrol and diesel usage until the supply chain stabilizes. Asserting his special bond and ‘right’ over the people of Gujarat, he appealed for a shift towards metros, electric buses, and public transport, while suggesting that citizens carpool and utilize railways for freight transport. Modi also advocated for a temporary return to work-from-home models, virtual corporate meetings, and online school classes to further reduce fuel demand. Additionally, he cautioned that purchasing gold heavily burdens the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and should be minimized. Domestic weddings and healthier habits Emphasising the economic impact of foreign destination weddings, Modi encouraged citizens to marry within India to benefit the local economy. He specifically proposed developing the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Narmada district, as a premier grand wedding destination, noting that families from Sardardham should feel proud to marry with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s blessings. Furthermore, the Prime Minister advised citizens to reduce the proportion of edible oil in their food. He pointed out that such a dietary change benefits both personal health and national resources, adding that Gujarat has much to learn from adopting this healthier practice.
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