Countries globally are taking significant steps to save fuel and ensure continuous energy access for their citizens due to disruptions in oil and gas supplies caused by the Middle East conflict escalation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) official stated that the impact of the current disruptions in West Asia is comparable to the major oil crises of the 1970s and the 2022 natural gas crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In response to the fuel crisis, nations in Asia, Africa, and Europe have implemented various extraordinary measures such as additional public holidays, work-from-home directives, fuel rationing, and industrial shutdowns to extend limited fuel reserves. Sri Lanka, for instance, has enforced a mandatory public holiday for schools, universities, and non-essential state employees, along with fuel rationing policies.
Bangladesh has closed universities and coaching centers, shifting to online classes to reduce electricity consumption. The country has also introduced fuel rationing and imposed 5-hour rolling blackouts to conserve power. Additionally, the deployment of the army at major oil depots aims to safeguard stocks and prevent vandalism.
Neighbouring Bhutan has prohibited fuel sales in jerry cans to deter hoarding and initiated work-from-home arrangements to reduce fuel usage, prioritizing emergency services. Pakistan has adopted a four-day workweek and 50% work-from-home for government staff, with educational institutions closed for the past two weeks.
The Philippines has implemented a four-day workweek for government employees and encouraged the private sector to embrace work-from-home practices. Moreover, non-essential public sector travel has been restricted in the country.
Vietnam has urged businesses to facilitate work-from-home setups and promote alternative modes of transportation like public transport, cycling, and carpooling. Myanmar has resorted to restricting private vehicle usage on alternate odd-even days based on registration numbers due to a severe fuel shortage.
In Africa, Egypt has mandated the closure of malls, restaurants, and retailers by 9 p.m. on weekdays starting March 28, with government buildings shutting down by 6 p.m. to reduce power consumption. Kenya has introduced fuel rationing and announced an effective ban on exports due to concerns that existing stocks will only last until April.
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has implemented controlled allocation measures at the industry level to ensure fair distribution and prevent panic-buying as diesel shortages emerge in multiple provinces. New Zealand is contemplating reinstating the “car-less day” policy from 1979, where motorists would nominate a no-driving day each week. The country is closely monitoring fuel stocks and has released 1.57 million barrels from reserves. Additionally, high jet fuel prices have led to the cancellation of around 1,100 Air New Zealand flights, affecting 44,000 passengers.
In Europe, Slovakia has enforced official diesel purchase quotas to prevent hoarding and shortages, limiting the amount of diesel each buyer can acquire. Slovenia has introduced fuel rationing at its stations, offering 30 litres for cars and 200 litres for trucks to ensure local supply amid surging demand.
