The Delhi administration on Thursday introduced a comprehensive plan to reduce fuel consumption and limit strain on foreign exchange reserves, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for responsible energy use and careful economic choices.

As part of the new policy, all Delhi government employees will work remotely for two days each week. In addition, half of all official meetings will be conducted virtually in an effort to reduce travel-related fuel usage.

To further ease congestion and lower fuel burn during peak hours, both the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will revise office timings. Authorities believe staggered schedules will help streamline traffic flow across the capital.

The use of government vehicles will also be curtailed. Fuel allocations for officers have been reduced by 20 per cent, lowering the monthly petrol limit from 200 litres. The government has also decided not to purchase any new vehicles for the next six months.

Encouraging a shift toward public transport, the administration will introduce a dedicated “Metro Day” and promote a weekly “No Car Day” to motivate residents to leave private vehicles at home. To support government staff, 58 special buses will operate across 29 residential colonies housing employees.

Officials said a public awareness campaign will soon be launched to encourage citizens to adopt fuel-saving habits and embrace mindful consumption.

The measures follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader appeal urging citizens to conserve petrol and diesel, defer gold purchases for a year, avoid unnecessary overseas travel and destination weddings, and make greater use of carpooling, work-from-home options and public transport.

Government sources clarified that these recommendations are not formal austerity mandates or restrictions, but rather a call for “economic responsibility” at a time of rising global energy costs and external pressures linked to tensions in West Asia and disruptions affecting oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

They emphasised that the intent is not to curb spending altogether, but to encourage thoughtful consumption, particularly given India’s heavy dependence on imported crude oil, gold, fertilisers and edible oils.