The Indian petroleum ministry is exploring austerity measures, including potential increases in petrol and diesel prices, to address energy conservation amid global supply chain disruptions. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma indicated that these measures could also involve work-from-home mandates for up to 50% of employees in organizations. Currently, state-run retailers sell petrol and diesel at ₹94.77 and ₹87.67 per liter, respectively, in Delhi, maintaining these prices for the past two years despite incurring significant losses. The government has been absorbing these costs, with oil marketing companies (OMCs) losing approximately ₹30,000 crore monthly due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The situation is compounded by India's reliance on imported crude oil, which constitutes over 88% of its consumption. Historical precedents from 2013 show that similar measures were taken during previous oil price spikes, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the financial strain on OMCs and the economy.