New Delhi, May 12 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call urging people to reduce their use of transport fuels is indeed a need of the hour, given the turmoil in West Asia.

Our heavy dependence on imports of crude oil, the raw material for what most motor engines burn, means that India's policy cushions are wearing thin.

The government has thus far used state-owned fuel retailers to absorb much of the oil shock since the end of February, when the Iran war began. It was a choice born of a political calculus, not of economic merit.

Retail price hikes could have risked adverse public opinion ahead of polls in four states. Modi's weekend advice could help lay the ground for the government to get its foot off the brake pedal and let oil reta...