Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the return of COVID-era work-from-home policies and called for nationwide energy conservation efforts as the war in Iran disrupts critical oil supplies. The conflict has significantly reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route for India, which imports 85% of its fuel. Half of India’s crude oil and 60% of its liquefied natural gas imports pass through the strait.
Modi’s Conservation Push
In a recent address, Modi urged citizens to limit commuting by working remotely, using public transportation, or carpooling. He also requested farmers to halve fertilizer use, a petroleum-intensive product, and called for reduced international travel and consumer spending to conserve foreign currency. 'Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one’s life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives,' Modi said during a speech in Hyderabad.
Impact on Indian Economy
India, a nation of 1.5 billion people, registered 25 million new vehicles in 2025, with 88% being private vehicles. Modi’s measures aim to reduce fuel consumption amid rising economic pressures. Investors responded negatively to the austerity measures, with the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 indices dropping 1.70% and 1.49%, respectively, following the announcement.
'They think I’ll get tired, or get bored, or I’ll have some pressure,' Trump said Monday. 'There’s no pressure at all. We’re going to have a complete victory.'
The war in Iran has prompted similar conservation efforts across Asia. Vietnam has encouraged remote work since March, while countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have adopted four-day workweeks to reduce fuel use. Despite a shaky ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that hostilities may resume soon, complicating efforts to stabilize global oil markets.