Gujarat CM Cuts Convoy Size to Promote Fuel Conservation and Simplicity

Amreli, May 2026 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday adopted austerity measures during his visit to Rajula town in Amreli district, travelling with a sharply reduced convoy in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and reduced public expenditure amid global economic uncertainty and rising fuel import concerns.

The Chief Minister visited Rajula to inaugurate the “Mahatma Gandhi Arogya Mandir”, where officials said he arrived with a convoy consisting of only five vehicles. Government sources described the move as a conscious effort to minimise fuel consumption and encourage responsible use of resources during a period marked by geopolitical tensions and volatility in global energy markets.

According to officials, Patel significantly reduced the size of his official and security convoy for the programme, sending out a message of simplicity and restraint. The initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi urged citizens and public authorities to adopt fuel-saving measures, reduce unnecessary travel, and help conserve the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Officials stated that the Gujarat Chief Minister’s decision was aimed at setting an example against what is often criticised as “VVIP culture”. The government hopes the move will encourage both administrative officials and the general public to adopt practical fuel-saving habits and reduce avoidable expenditure.

The initiative received a positive response from local residents and party workers present at the inauguration ceremony, many of whom praised the symbolic gesture and described it as a responsible administrative practice during challenging global conditions.

The austerity drive is also being reflected across various levels of governance in Gujarat. On Tuesday, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he would refrain from using helicopters and air travel for movement within the state until the fuel situation improves. Instead, he said he would rely on trains, state transport buses and other public transportation systems for official travel.

The Governor further directed officials to maintain only the minimum required number of vehicles in his convoy despite being entitled to Z-plus security protection.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also reportedly cancelled a proposed visit to the United States following the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce non-essential foreign travel and unnecessary fuel expenditure.

Similar measures are being implemented in several BJP-ruled states across the country. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reportedly ordered a 50 per cent reduction in official vehicle fleets, while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta have announced steps aimed at reducing the use of official vehicles and promoting public transport and carpooling.

The developments reflect a broader push by governments to align administrative practices with the Centre’s call for conservation, austerity and economic prudence amid evolving global challenges.