Iran war effect: Why is Modi asking Indians to avoid foreign trips, gold?

"Modi said people should move to online meetings instead of physical gatherings and use the work-from-home model that was adopted globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that such practices would cut down the use of fuel. Additionally, Modi urged people to use public transport and carpooling to save fuel. He called on families to reduce their cooking oil consumption, describing that move as both healthy and patriotic."

"Modi also asked Indians to avoid buying gold and to cut nonessential overseas travel for at least a year. The prime minister asked farmers to cut their fertiliser use by as much as half. And he explained his justification for asking the people of India to make these changes in their lifestyles and plans: In the current situation, we must place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange."

"Simply put, Modi was referring to the war on Iran and its far-reaching economic consequences, especially for India. Early in the war too, Modi had compared the economic crisis spawned by the conflict to the situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, he extended that parallel to also ask Indians to adopt some of the restrictive measures forced upon the world by the coronavirus crisis."

"Oil prices have climbed due to the war on Iran, which started on February 28. A barrel of Brent crude, the international benchmark, was worth $72.87 on February 27. As of Monda"

The Prime Minister urged Indians to work from home, switch to online meetings, and avoid physical gatherings to reduce fuel consumption. He also called for greater use of public transport and carpooling. Families were asked to reduce cooking oil consumption, described as healthy and patriotic. He urged people to avoid buying gold and to cut nonessential overseas travel for at least a year. Farmers were told to reduce fertiliser use by as much as half. The measures were linked to saving foreign exchange as global energy prices rose due to the war on Iran, which began on February 28 and increased oil costs.

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