Sri Lanka has implemented a nationwide four-day working week, granting public sector employees every Wednesday off as the country urgently seeks to preserve fuel amidst escalating fears of severe shortages. This drastic action comes as the island nation contends with the repercussions of the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has severely disrupted critical oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
President's Warning and Regional Impact
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake cautioned officials during an emergency meeting on Monday, stating, 'We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.' This move underscores a deepening energy crisis across Asia, where governments are rapidly implementing measures to reduce consumption after one of the world's most vital oil routes was effectively blocked.
Last year, nearly 90 per cent of the oil and gas transported through the strait was destined for Asia, the globe's largest importing region, leaving nations heavily dependent on this route scrambling to adapt. Across the continent, authorities have enforced a series of austerity-style policies to curb demand.
Regional Austerity Measures
In Thailand, workers are being encouraged to abandon formal office attire in favour of lighter clothing to decrease air conditioning usage. Myanmar has restricted private vehicles to operating on alternate days based on licence plate numbers. Bangladesh has moved forward Ramadan holidays for universities and introduced rolling blackouts to save energy.
The Philippines has mandated that some government staff work from home at least once weekly. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has prohibited non-essential travel in the public sector and announced financial assistance for drivers, farmers, and fishermen grappling with skyrocketing fuel prices. Vietnam is promoting staying at home where possible, cycling, car-sharing, and using public transport instead of private cars.
Sri Lanka's Specific Actions
In Sri Lanka, the four-day week will also apply to schools and universities, although essential services such as healthcare and immigration will continue normal operations. Officials selected Wednesday as the additional day off to prevent three consecutive days of closures. Motorists are now required to enrol in a National Fuel Pass scheme, which strictly rations petrol purchases to 15 litres for cars and merely five litres for motorcycles, sparking frustration among residents who deem these limits insufficient.
This system was initially introduced during Sri Lanka's devastating 2022 economic crisis, when the country exhausted foreign currency reserves for importing fuel and other essentials. Oil prices have soared since strikes on Iran commenced last month, currently hovering around $100 per barrel, heightening concerns that the crisis may intensify further.
