Maharashtra implements fuel austerity measures

India — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with other state ministers, has initiated and participated in austerity measures to conserve fuel and foreign exchange. This move follows an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce fuel consumption due to global energy pressures stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The measures include Devendra Fadnavis riding a motorcycle to work, Nitesh Narayan Rane walking to the state secretariat, halving the number of vehicles in ministerial convoys, and cancelling foreign tours for ministers and government officials. The India — Maharashtra government also directed police commissioners to ensure compliance with convoy limits and will review vehicles allotted to different departments. These actions are a direct response to India's heavy reliance on West Asia for crude oil and gas imports, which have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions.