"Your utility is done": Opposition warns of petrol, diesel price hike after Modi's appeal to cut fuel use

Opposition leaders criticized Modi's appeal. Rahul Gandhi posted on X that Modi's call exposes the limits of his decade-long tenure and called the remarks 'proof of failure.' Sanjay Singh of AAP said the post-election push to conserve fuel amounts to asking ordinary people to bear the burden, citing potential price rises in petrol, diesel, and gas and accusing the government of double standards. Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party argued the government has failed economically and diplomatically, questioning how a 'five trillion dollar economy' would be achieved under increasing restrictions, while noting rupee depreciation and suspected shifts in non-aligned policy. In response, BJP's Amit Malviya defended Modi's message as a call to make conscious, national-interest choices—emphasizing energy conservation, promotion of indigenous products, preservation of foreign exchange, and self-reliance—and argued the opposition mischaracterizes the administration, referencing Nehru's remarks about inflation during wars and framing responsible leadership as truthful public engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption, use public transport, car-pooling, and electric vehicles, and shift towards natural farming practices to reduce dependence on imports and save foreign currency. He framed the appeal as promoting responsible living in the face of global supply disruptions and rising fuel prices due to conflicts in West Asia.