Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari backed PM Modi's appeal to save petrol and diesel amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, NDTV reported on Monday.
Gadkari said PM Modi's appeals were made in national interest and urged people to use public transport in order to save petrol and diesel. Additionally, he advocated to avoid one-person vehicles to save fuel.
These remarks come after the prime minister called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and the need to save foreign exchange due to the Middle East crisis, which is now in its third month.
Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged citizens to avoid panicking, amid ramping fuel prices and supply chain disruptions due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. He stated that the Centre was taking "concrete steps" to mitigate the impact from these developments, as per an 'X' post, on Monday.
"I urge the people to remain calm and avoid any kind of panic as the government is taking concrete steps to prevent shortages or disruptions in supply chains," Singh said.
ALSO READ: 'Avoid Panic, Govt Taking Concrete Steps': Rajnath Singh Day After PM Modi's Appeal
On Sunday, PM Modi, while addressing a rally organised by the Telangana BJP, advised to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, promoted use of metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles (EVs), utilise railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.
With the pressure on the supply chain, difficulties rise despite various government measures to address the situation, he said, adding, "That's why, during a global crisis, keeping the country above all else, we have to take resolutions."
"We got into work-from-home, virtual meetings, video conferencing, and many other methods during Covid-19. We got habituated to them. The need of the hour is to resume those methods," PM Modi said.
He urged to reduce consumption of edible oil, cut down the use of chemical fertilisers, promoting natural farming and Swadeshi products to save foreign exchange and make the country self-reliant.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
