Countries Adopt Rationing, Remote Work to Conserve Scarce fuel Supplies

Nations across the world are taking sweeping and often unprecedented steps to deal with a rapidly worsening energy crisis triggered by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas supplies. The situation, linked to escalating tensions in the Iran–US conflict, has significantly choked fuel movement, forcing governments to act quickly to conserve limited resources.

Across Asia, countries are implementing strict controls to manage fuel consumption and maintain essential services. Sri Lanka has introduced mandatory public holidays for non-essential sectors and capped petrol usage for private vehicles, while Bangladesh has shifted schools online and enforced scheduled power cuts to prioritise industrial activity. Pakistan and the Philippines have adopted shorter work weeks for government employees to reduce fuel consumption, while Vietnam is encouraging remote work and public transport usage.

Meanwhile, Bhutan has moved to prevent fuel hoarding by banning sales in portable containers, and Myanmar has introduced rationing systems based on vehicle numbers. These measures reflect growing urgency as fuel shortages begin to impact everyday life and economic activity.

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Globally, governments are increasingly relying on a mix of fuel rationing, work-from-home mandates, industrial slowdowns, and travel restrictions to manage demand. The focus has shifted from normal consumption patterns to strict conservation, as authorities attempt to stretch available fuel supplies for as long as possible With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a flashpoint and no immediate resolution in sight, the crisis is expected to persist, potentially forcing even stricter measures and long-term changes in how countries manage energy consumption.

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