Countries respond to oil-price surge with remote work for civil servants and early school closures

Oil prices have surged to above 100 USD per barrel for the first time since 2022, prompting governments worldwide to introduce emergency measures that affect both energy policy and everyday life. From Europe to Asia, authorities have rolled out steps aimed at conserving fuel and electricity, while also trying to reduce pressure on household budgets.

Asia expands fuel-saving rules

Several Asian countries have adopted more aggressive policies. In the Philippines, civil servants will work under a four-day workweek, electrical devices must be turned off at midday, air conditioning is set not lower than 24°C, and flexible working arrangements have been expanded. Pakistan has mandated that half of civil servants work from home, temporarily closed schools, and shortened the workweek. The government has also asked residents to watch a national cricket match from home rather than attending the stadium.

In Sri Lanka, authorities introduced a nationwide Wednesday holiday to save fuel, applying to schools and government offices.

Developed economies target living costs

In developed economies, measures have focused on reducing living costs and easing the impact of higher fuel prices. In Australia, Victoria offers free public transport for a month, while Tasmania provides free buses and ferries until the end of July. In one week, public transport usage in Tasmania rose by 20%. The federal government also cut fuel tax by half for three months to ease price pressures.

In Europe, Spain launched a 5.8 billion USD support package that includes cuts in electricity and gas taxes, along with subsidies for fuel used for transport and agriculture. Germany adopted a price-control approach for gas stations: prices can be raised only once per day but can be lowered at any time, aiming to reduce price fluctuations that can occur up to 22 times daily.

Fuel limits, export suspensions, and electricity curbs

Some governments have introduced restrictions to manage supply and reduce consumption. Thailand warned against stocking gasoline at home due to fire risk and suspended fuel exports to help ensure domestic supply. Indonesia imposed a cap on personal vehicle purchases, allowing a maximum of 50 liters per day. India prioritized gas for households, shifting supply away from industrial use toward essential needs such as hospitals and schools.

Energy-saving measures have also extended beyond transport. Egypt requires stores and restaurants to close before 9 pm, turn off signs, and reduce public lighting. Bangladesh plans to close many educational facilities early to save electricity. Denmark urged people to cut energy-wasting activities, with the message that “Every liter saved matters.” Many Asian countries, including Korea, have called on citizens to conserve fuel, warning that the situation is not a short-term disruption.

Impact and outlook

Across both developed and developing economies, the common thread is adaptation to a new reality in which energy is no longer as cheap and abundant as before. Measures such as working from home, free public transit, and shorter workweeks—once optional—are increasingly becoming mandatory in the short term. Over time, the current wave of policies could also accelerate longer-term shifts, including reducing dependence on oil and moving toward sustainable energy.

As oil prices rise, costs increase and daily routines are being reshaped to reflect higher energy prices.

Tử Huy (According to Business Insider)