Sri Lanka's New Fuel Conservation Measure
Sri Lanka has announced that every Wednesday will be observed as a public holiday to conserve fuel, as the nation faces potential shortages following the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
"We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,"President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated during an emergency meeting with senior officials on Monday.
This announcement is part of a broader set of austerity measures adopted by several Asian countries since the war disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway that previously transported millions of barrels of oil from the Gulf region into Asia.
Last year, nearly 90% of all oil and gas passing through the strait was destined for Asia, which remains the world's largest oil-importing region.
Measures Taken by Other Asian Countries
Across Asia, governments have implemented various strategies to reduce fuel consumption.
In Thailand, the government encourages citizens to replace suits with short-sleeved shirts to decrease air conditioning use. Myanmar has imposed alternate-day operation restrictions on private vehicles based on license plate numbers.
Bangladesh has advanced Ramadan holidays for universities and introduced planned nationwide blackouts to save energy.
In the Philippines, some government offices require employees to work from home at least one day per week. Additionally, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prohibited non-essential travel within the public sector.
Marcos also announced financial aid ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 pesos ($50 to $84; £38 to £63) for tricycle drivers, farmers, and fishermen to help offset rising oil costs.
Vietnam is strongly encouraging citizens to remain home more often to conserve fuel. The government has urged people to "ride bicycles, carpool, use public transport, and restrict personal vehicle use when unnecessary."
Additional Steps in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's new four-day workweek will extend to schools and universities but will exclude state institutions that provide essential services such as healthcare and immigration, according to officials.
Authorities chose Wednesday as the additional day off instead of Friday to avoid closing government offices for three consecutive days.
Motorists are now required to register for a National Fuel Pass, which limits the amount of fuel individuals can purchase.
This policy has caused dissatisfaction among some Sri Lankans, who consider the fuel quotas—15 liters for private cars and 5 liters for motorcycles—to be insufficient.
The rationing system was initially introduced in 2022 during Sri Lanka's most severe economic crisis, which depleted foreign reserves and hindered the country's ability to import essential goods and fuel.
Since the US and Israel began military actions against Iran late last month, oil prices have surged and currently hover around $100 per barrel.
