Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a public holiday for government institutions as part of emergency measures to conserve fuel, following rising global oil prices triggered by escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced the move after an emergency meeting with senior officials, warning that the country must brace for potential shortages.
“We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,” he said.
The decision comes as the ongoing conflict has disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor that transports millions of barrels of oil daily. Nearly 90 per cent of oil and gas passing through the strait is destined for Asia, making the region particularly vulnerable to supply shocks.
Sri Lanka’s new four-day workweek will also apply to schools and universities, although essential services such as healthcare and immigration will continue to operate without interruption. Authorities chose Wednesday as the additional day off to avoid a three-day consecutive shutdown of government offices.
In addition to the reduced workweek, the government has reinstated fuel rationing through a National Fuel Pass system, limiting purchases to 15 litres for private cars and five litres for motorcycles. The measure, first introduced during the country’s 2022 economic crisis, has drawn criticism from citizens who say the quotas are insufficient.
Sri Lanka is not alone in implementing austerity measures as the energy crisis deepens across Asia.
In Thailand, authorities are encouraging citizens to swap suits for short-sleeved tees to reduce reliance on air conditioning, while Myanmar has introduced alternating driving days for private vehicles based on licence plate numbers.
Bangladesh has adjusted academic calendars and introduced planned power outages, while in the Philippines, public sector workers are required to work from home at least once a week. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has also banned non-essential government travel and approved financial support for vulnerable groups, including tricycle drivers, farmers and fishermen.
Similarly, Vietnam has urged citizens to cut down on fuel use by cycling, carpooling and relying more on public transport.
Global oil prices have surged to around $100 per barrel since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, intensifying economic pressures on oil-importing nations.
For Sri Lanka, still recovering from a severe economic crisis in 2022 that left it struggling to import fuel and essential goods, the latest measures underscore the fragile balance between energy security and economic stability.
Melissa Enoch
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