March 19, 2026 | 02:17 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Sri Lankan government has taken emergency measures to conserve oil reserves in response to the widening Iran-Israel conflict. According to the BBC, as cited by NDTV, Sri Lanka has implemented a four-day work week.
This policy applies to all public institutions across various sectors. Starting March 18, 2026, Wednesday has been declared a national holiday to reduce fuel consumption as the global energy crisis unfolds following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
"We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best," said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in an emergency meeting with senior officials on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The four-day work week will also extend to educational institutions, including schools and universities. However, essential services such as healthcare, ports, and emergency operations will function as usual.
Sri Lanka designated Wednesday as an additional day off to prevent government offices from closing for three consecutive days. Additionally, the government has introduced a National Fuel Card system requiring driver registration, through which fuel sales will be limited.
Other measures include encouraging remote work and urging public and private organizations to adopt energy-saving practices. "We are also asking the private sector to follow suit and declare every Wednesday a holiday from now on," said Prabath Chandrakeerthi, commissioner general of essential services, to reporters.
Sri Lanka previously grappled with a severe fuel crisis in 2022. At that time, shortages led to long queues at gas stations, power outages, and public unrest.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a fuel crisis across many countries. Geopolitical tensions in the region have disrupted supply chains, driven up global oil prices, and created uncertainty for import-dependent nations like Sri Lanka.
In addition to Sri Lanka, several countries have implemented fuel-saving regulations in recent weeks. In Thailand, citizens are encouraged to wear short-sleeved shirts to minimize air conditioning use.
Myanmar has implemented an odd-even vehicle number plate policy. Bangladesh has advanced the Ramadan holiday and implemented rolling blackouts to conserve energy.
The Philippines has introduced flexible work arrangements, including remote work, and banned non-essential public sector travel. The country is also offering financial assistance to vulnerable groups to cope with rising fuel costs. Meanwhile, Vietnam is promoting cycling and public transportation while actively discouraging the use of private vehicles.
PUTRI MAHARANI KRISTIANI
Read: US-Israel War on Iran Exposes Fault Lines in BRICS Alliance
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