Sri Lanka Implements Four-Day Working Week to Tackle Fuel Shortages
Sri Lanka has introduced a mandatory four-day working week and work-from-home directives for civil servants in a drastic bid to conserve dwindling fuel and gas reserves. The austerity measures, announced on Monday, are a direct response to severe supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing US-Israeli military conflict with Iran.
New Austerity Measures Announced
Prabath Chandrakeerthi, the Commissioner of Essential Services, confirmed that all state institutions, including schools and universities, will shift to a four-day work week effective immediately. "We are also asking the private sector to follow suit and declare every Wednesday a holiday from now on," he stated following a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The president emphasised that the nation "must prepare for the worst but hope for the best" as the government halts all public ceremonies and urges civil servants to work remotely where possible to reduce fuel consumption. Fuel rationing is already in place across the island.
Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Closure
The crisis stems from Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz after being attacked by the US and Israel on 28 February 2026. This strategic waterway typically handles nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil and a fifth of its liquefied natural gas shipments. Sri Lankan officials warned that fresh disruptions could severely impact the country, which currently has only about six weeks of fuel reserves remaining.
Deputy Minister of Trade R M Jayawardena highlighted the economic strain, noting crude oil prices have surged to approximately $100 per barrel. This price increase places significant pressure on international shipping and distribution networks, potentially leading to higher transportation costs and supply chain limitations that could drive up prices for imported goods.
Essential Services Continue Operation
Despite the sweeping changes, essential services including hospitals, ports, and emergency response units will continue to operate normally. However, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told parliament that the government might resort to power cuts if the situation fails to improve.
Social media has captured the severity of the crisis, with a viral video showing a man riding a scooter while carrying another passenger on his lap during a desperate search for fuel. The Colombo Post reported this incident, illustrating the growing desperation among citizens.
Regional Energy Conservation Efforts
Sri Lanka's measures follow similar actions by neighbouring Pakistan, which recently implemented a four-day work week for some employees and closed schools for two weeks in response to rising fuel prices. Other Asian nations are adopting various energy-saving strategies:
- Thailand encourages lighter clothing to reduce air conditioning use
- Myanmar restricts private cars on alternate days
- Bangladesh has introduced early Ramadan holidays and scheduled blackouts
- The Philippines implemented work-from-home rules and travel bans with cash assistance for affected workers
- Vietnam urges citizens to stay home and limit personal vehicle use
In India, the Strait of Hormuz disruptions have already driven up cooking gas prices, forcing many restaurants to reduce operating hours, cut menu items, or temporarily close their establishments.
The Sri Lankan government has stated these austerity measures will remain in place indefinitely as the nation navigates this unprecedented energy crisis.
