Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has led to rising global fuel prices, India has opted for a strategy of voluntary fuel conservation rather than imposing steep price hikes. Senior government officials noted that while countries like those in Southeast Asia and North America have seen fuel price increases of 30-50%, India has managed to keep prices relatively stable, raising them only by ₹3 per litre recently. This approach is aimed at shielding the most vulnerable segments of the population, including farmers and low-income workers, from the impact of potential price shocks that could require increases of 200-300%. The Indian government, which imports around 85% of its crude oil, has been absorbing significant losses, estimated at ₹1,000 crore daily, to maintain fuel prices. Previous measures, such as excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel, have also been implemented to mitigate the financial burden on consumers. Officials stressed that the current economic challenges stem from external factors rather than domestic mismanagement, with inflation and the current account deficit remaining under control. Additionally, initiatives to reduce foreign travel and gold imports are seen as strategic moves to conserve foreign exchange and minimize economic damage.