Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced a set of fuel-saving measures for government departments in response to Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
As part of the new measures, Delhi government employees will work from home for two days every week. The administration has also directed departments to shift towards online meetings and reduce unnecessary use of official vehicles.
Gupta said the private sector would also be encouraged to adopt work-from-home arrangements. According to her, the labor department will monitor whether companies are implementing the advisory.
The Delhi Chief Minister added that the government wants offices to minimize fuel consumption wherever possible while ensuring normal functioning continues.
Push comes amid energy concerns
The latest measures come against the backdrop of continuing tensions in West Asia after conflict erupted on February 28, disrupting shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The disruption has raised fears of a wider energy crisis and mounting pressure on fuel supplies and prices.
Senior Delhi government officials and ministers have already begun implementing austerity steps following the Prime Minister’s recent call for reducing petroleum consumption during the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
According to sources, ministers have been encouraged to rely more on public transport, share vehicles through carpooling, cut down the use of official cars and avoid foreign travel unless absolutely necessary.
Gupta said the government intends to reduce dependence on official vehicles and wants ministers, MLAs, and bureaucrats to increasingly use public transport systems.
She also appealed to Delhi residents to adopt similar habits by choosing Metro services and buses instead of private vehicles. According to her, this would not only help conserve fuel but also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital.
Meanwhile, departments such as the Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board, and the irrigation and flood control department have issued formal instructions promoting virtual meetings, electric mobility, and the observance of a weekly “No Car Day.”
