Modi’s Work-From-Home Appeal Finds Strong Support Among Gen Z Amid Fuel Concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to work from home (WFH) has brought an array of discussions among Gen Z professionals, as many find it a smart and beneficial option with the skyrocketing fuel prices in the wake of the West Asia crisis.

PM Modi's 7 Nation First Appeal

At a public event in Hyderabad on May 10, Modi had urged the people of India to save fuel and preserve foreign exchange (forex) reserves. He outlined seven national first appeals, such as working from home whenever possible, to promote carpooling or shared travel, restricting the use of private vehicles, postponing unessential foreign trips, limiting fuel consumption, postponing gold purchases for one year, and buying local products and reducing dependence on imported goods to conserve foreign exchange.

The appeal comes as escalating tensions in West Asia have disrupted global oil markets and increased pressure on crude oil prices. Since India imports around 90 per cent of its crude oil, around 50 per cent of which is imported from West Asia, higher import costs can lead to depletion of forex reserves as more dollars are spent on global purchases.

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as of early May 2026, India's forex reserves have dropped by around $30.5-$38 billion due to the West Asis conflict.

Young Professionals Welcome Hybrid Work Push

For many Gen Z employees, Modi’s remarks have revived conversations around hybrid work models that became common during the pandemic but gradually declined after offices reopened fully.

“I genuinely think this could improve quality of life for a lot of young professionals,” said Sohini Banerjee, 24, a software engineer living in Delhi. “My daily commute takes close to three hours, and by the time I return home, I barely have energy left for anything else. If companies allow even two or three remote working days every week, employees can save money, reduce stress and actually become more productive.”

Several young workers also believe the appeal recognises how rising transport expenses are quietly affecting urban budgets.

“Cab fares, fuel costs and food prices have all gone up over the past year,” said Ritam Das, 29, an accountant based in Siliguri, West Bengal. “A lot of people from my generation already prefer flexible work because it helps save both time and money. PM's statement feels practical because it connects global events with everyday expenses people are actually facing.”

Others see the move as a sign that workplaces may finally become more employee-friendly again.

“During the pandemic, companies realised employees can work efficiently from home,” said Neha Verma, 27, a UX designer staying in Delhi. “But after offices reopened, many organisations pushed for full attendance again without considering commuting fatigue. I think younger employees now value flexibility much more than earlier generations.”

Essential Workers Highlight Practical Limits

At the same time, some professionals pointed out that work-from-home cannot apply equally across sectors.

“As a nurse, I obviously cannot work remotely, but I still support the idea for sectors where it is possible,” said Madhurima Roy, 25, who works at a private hospital in Siliguri. “If fewer people commute daily, traffic congestion and fuel demand can be reduced overall. That benefits everyone, including essential workers who still need to travel.”

Nimit Vaidya, a 23-year-old project associate based in Lucknow, said the proposal could not only help young professionals maintain healthier routines, but also save costs on the organisation.

He stated, "When we talk about WFH policy, you also have to keep in mind that this way organisations can save costs too. In case an office goes remote or hybrid, they save on electricity, help staff, parking costs and so on."

While questions remain over how widely companies may adopt flexible work again, many young professionals seem to perceive the Prime Minister’s suggestion less as a temporary emergency measure and more as a practical shift in how work may evolve in the future.