Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a 50 percent reduction in the number of vehicles in his official motorcade. The decision, announced amid a global energy crisis, aims to cut fuel consumption and promote the use of electric vehicles. The Special Protection Group responsible for Modi’s security has already begun implementing the directive.

The move comes as several Bharatiya Janata Party–ruled states follow suit. Chief Ministers Rekha Gupta of Delhi, Bhajan Lal Sharma of Rajasthan, and Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh have also decided to reduce the size of their official fleets. The global energy shortage has been exacerbated by the ongoing United States–Iran war, which has driven up crude oil prices and disrupted supply chains.

Modi urged citizens to adopt a “nationally responsible” lifestyle, use local products, and avoid unnecessary gold purchases for one year to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves. He also advised against foreign travel and destination weddings abroad.