Himachal Governor cuts convoy, bans Sunday fuel vehicles, shifts work online amid oil crisis

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday announced a set of austerity and energy conservation measures at Lok Bhawan in Shimla, citing rising global crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Declaring Lok Bhawan a “Fuel Conservation Zone”, the Governor said official vehicles using imported fuel will not operate on Sundays. He also said he would forgo his official car one day a week, opting instead for an electric vehicle or carpooling arrangements.

As part of the cost-cutting steps, Gupta announced that his official convoy size would be reduced by half. He added that all non-essential meetings would be shifted online, with Sunday engagements to be conducted via video conferencing under a “work from home” approach.

He further stated that he would not use the state helicopter until the situation in West Asia stabilises and fuel prices ease.

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The Governor said he would write to the Himachal Pradesh government urging the formulation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to promote fuel conservation and reduce public expenditure, in line with appeals for responsible consumption.

The measures come against the backdrop of rising global energy concerns linked to tensions in West Asia and fluctuating crude oil prices.

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Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged citizens to adopt “nationally responsible” lifestyle choices, including reduced fuel consumption, limited non-essential travel, and increased use of domestic products, to help manage inflationary and external economic pressures.