MP Premachandran Slams PM Modi’s Fuel Saving Appeal Amid West Asia Crisis

Revolutionary Socialist Party leader and UDF ally N. K. Premachandran on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal for self-imposed restrictions on fuel consumption, calling the remarks “unfortunate” amid the ongoing oil crisis linked to tensions in West Asia.

Speaking to reporters, Premachandran said the Centre had failed to take timely action and hold discussions despite the conflict in West Asia continuing for several months.

“Instead of announcing any package after deliberations on the fuel crisis, treating the matter casually and making certain remarks at meetings is unfortunate. What steps has the central government taken to address the fuel crisis despite the war having started several months ago?” he said.

The Kollam MP questioned the Centre’s response to the rising fuel crisis and said the government should announce relief measures instead of shifting the burden onto the public.

“Instead of putting the burden of the fuel crisis on the public, the central government should take responsibility,” he said.

He also criticised suggestions that people reduce travel and adopt partial lockdown-like restrictions to conserve fuel.

The remarks came a day after Modi, while addressing a rally organised by the Telangana BJP in Hyderabad, urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption in view of the crisis in West Asia and the need to conserve foreign exchange.

The Prime Minister suggested greater use of metro rail services, carpooling, electric vehicles, railway parcel transport and work-from-home practices to reduce fuel consumption.

Modi also appealed to people to postpone foreign travel and gold purchases for one year to help save foreign exchange reserves during the ongoing crisis.

(With PTI Inputs)