Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Countries worldwide are taking drastic measures to conserve fuel and ensure continued energy access for their people in the wake of the disruption in oil and gas supplies triggered by the escalation in the Middle East conflict.
The effect of the current disruptions in West Asia is equivalent to the two major oil crises in the 1970s and the 2022 natural gas crisis after Russia invaded Ukraine, all put together, according to a top official of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Nations across Asia, Africa, and Europe have adopted a range of extraordinary steps, including additional public holidays, work-from-home mandates, fuel rationing, and industrial shutdowns to extend limited fuel reserves.
Sri Lanka declared a mandatory public holiday for schools, universities, and non-essential state workers.
Bangladesh has closed all universities and coaching centres while shifting to online classes to reduce electricity loads. Fuel rationing was introduced on March 8, and households are being forced to go through 5-hour rolling blackouts.
Bhutan has banned fuel sales in jerry cans to prevent hoarding and introduced work-from-home to cut the use of fuel.
Pakistan has introduced a four-day working week and 50 per cent work-from-home for government employees. Besides, schools and colleges have been shut for the last two weeks.
The Philippines has introduced a four-day working week for government employees.
Vietnam has asked businesses to enable work-from-home and encouraged public transport, cycling, and carpooling.
Egypt has, from March 28, ordered malls, restaurants, and retailers to shut by 9 pm on weekdays.
Kenya has introduced fuel rationing, and an effective ban on exports has been announced.
In South Africa, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has implemented “controlled allocation measures” at the industry level.
No-driving day
The New Zealand government is considering reviving the 1979-era “car-less day” policy under which motorists will nominate one no-driving day per week.
In Europe, Slovakia’s government has imposed official diesel purchase quotas, limiting how much diesel each buyer can get, to prevent hoarding and shortages. Slovenia has rolled out fuel rationing.