Sri Lanka has introduced a four-day working week for state institutions, including schools and universities, to preserve dwindling fuel and gas reserves. The measure comes as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, blockaded by Iran in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes, disrupts energy supplies across South Asia.
From Wednesday, civil servants have been told to work from home where possible, and the government urged the private sector to declare Wednesday a holiday. Fuel rationing began on Sunday, with long queues at petrol stations and motorists limited to 15 litres of petrol or diesel a week. Officials said reserves would last nearly six weeks but warned that any disruption to fresh supplies could severely affect the island.
Neighbouring countries are also struggling. Bangladesh announced early Ramadan holidays for universities and imposed scheduled power blackouts to conserve energy for garment factories. Pakistan moved schools to remote learning and raised fuel prices to deter hoarding, as 85% of its energy passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
In India, long queues for LPG gas canisters formed, restaurants closed, and a major steel plant halted operations. However, India claimed diplomatic success after two of its tankers carrying critical gas supplies were allowed through the strait on Saturday following direct negotiations with Iran.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told officials at an emergency meeting: 'We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.' Essential services, including hospitals and ports, continue to operate as normal.
