Rajasthan introduces austerity measures for fuel conservation amid West Asia conflict

The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan on Saturday, May 23, 2026, implemented austerity measures to save petrol and diesel by banning foreign travel of ministers and officials and encouraging video conferencing and digital governance, amid the West Asian conflict.

A circular issued by the Ministry of Finance has laid out guidelines to reduce government expenditure and save fuel. According to the new policy, all future purchases by government departments and public institutions will be towards electric vehicles (EVs), which will gradually replace existing gasoline and diesel vehicles.

The circular issued by Principal Secretary Finance Vaibhav Galriya gave instructions for carpooling for officials and employees, restricting meetings and events inside government buildings, reducing the number of government convoys and using official portals to reduce paper-based correspondence.

Officials and employees traveling in the same direction will be directed to use carpooling to commute to work, while government departments, autonomous bodies and public sector organizations will no longer be allowed to hold meetings or events in hotels.

The circular stated that all dignitaries with the right to convoy should further cut off non-essential vehicles. The government will also prepare an action plan to strengthen EV charging infrastructure and expedite approvals of pending charging station proposals.

According to the circular, training programs for public officials will now be carried out online instead of gathering the personnel in one place. While the State Government is promoting rooftop solar installations under the Chief Minister Surya Ghar scheme, a campaign will be launched to reduce non-agricultural urea use and promote balanced fertilizer consumption.

In the circular emphasizing energy saving, civil servants and employees were instructed to turn off lights, fans, coolers and air conditioners before leaving the offices. In addition, in accordance with the circular, government departments will gradually establish solar power plants to meet their electricity needs.