Gujarat Governor Orders Leaner Convoys, No Chopper Amid Fuel-Saving Push

Governor Acharya Devvrat announced a series of austerity measures at the Raj Bhavan (Lok Bhavan) in Gujarat. Key steps include ceasing all helicopter and air travel within Gujarat until the global petroleum situation stabilizes, using ST buses and trains for official state visits, and reducing the convoy to the minimum number of vehicles despite Z+ security. As Chancellor, all state university Vice-Chancellors were directed to observe at least one 'Combustion Engine-Free' day per week, with students and faculty encouraged to use bicycles, electric vehicles, or public transport on those days. Edible oil consumption was targeted to fall by 10%, and administrative staff were urged to stop unnecessary vehicle use for government tasks. In a meeting with senior officials, including Principal Secretary Ashok Sharma and Home Director A.K. Joshi, the Governor stated that 'every drop of fuel and every rupee saved is a contribution to India's self-reliance' and framed these sacrifices as essential 'Economic Self-Defense' amid global supply chain disruptions and the West Asia crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for 'Economic Self-Defence' during his Hyderabad address on May 10, 2026.