Bhubaneswar, May 13: Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Wednesday appealed to people across the state to reduce their consumption of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas and embrace electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transport options in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation.

Speaking to the media, Jena referred to the Prime Minister’s recent appeal made on May 10, urging citizens, especially those living in metro-connected cities, to make greater use of public transport systems such as metro rail services. The Prime Minister had also encouraged people to adopt carpooling whenever the use of private vehicles becomes necessary and advised EV users to maximise electric mobility.

Echoing the message, the Odisha minister urged citizens to exercise restraint in the use of conventional fuels and adopt environmentally friendly alternatives. He said measures such as increased reliance on public transport, carpooling, and work-from-home arrangements wherever possible could significantly reduce fuel consumption and help strengthen the country’s economy and foreign exchange reserves.

Jena further highlighted the Odisha government’s continued focus on promoting electric mobility in the state. He informed that the state’s EV subsidy scheme has been extended till 2028 to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles among the public.

“The government will continue taking all necessary steps for the welfare of the people. Citizens should increasingly adopt electric vehicles and sustainable transport practices,” the minister said.

He added that collective participation in fuel conservation efforts would not only help protect the environment but also contribute to long-term energy security and economic stability for the country.

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