Sri Lanka Declares Weekly Holiday as Fuel Crisis Spreads Across Asia

Sri Lanka has announced a weekly holiday for public sector workers as governments across Asia take emergency steps to conserve fuel amid a worsening energy crisis.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country must prepare for the possibility of prolonged shortages as global oil supplies tighten following the conflict involving Iran.

“We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,” he told senior officials during an emergency meeting.

A Nation Responds to Rising Pressure

Under the new measure, public institutions in Sri Lanka will close every Wednesday in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.

The policy will also apply to schools and universities. However, essential services such as hospitals and immigration offices will continue to operate.

Officials said they chose Wednesday instead of Friday to avoid a three-day closure of government offices.

The decision reflects growing concern over fuel availability as the crisis deepens.

Long queues have already formed at petrol stations, with motorists waiting for hours to refuel.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Hits Asia Hard

The crisis stems from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical shipping route for global energy supplies.

The waterway carries millions of barrels of oil from the Gulf each day. Nearly 90% of that supply is destined for Asia, the world’s largest oil-importing region.

Since the conflict escalated, shipping through the strait has slowed significantly.

Oil prices have surged, hovering around $100 per barrel, increasing pressure on import-dependent economies.

Countries Across Asia Take Action

Sri Lanka is not alone in introducing emergency measures.

Governments across Asia have begun taking steps to reduce fuel consumption and manage rising costs.

In Thailand, authorities are urging people to wear lighter clothing to cut air-conditioning use.

Myanmar has introduced restrictions on private vehicles, allowing them to operate only on alternate days based on licence plate numbers.

Bangladesh has brought forward Ramadan holidays in universities and introduced planned power cuts to conserve energy.

In the Philippines, government employees are now required to work from home at least one day a week. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has also banned non-essential travel in the public sector.

The government has announced financial assistance for vulnerable groups, including farmers and transport workers, to help them cope with rising fuel costs.

Vietnam has also encouraged citizens to reduce travel, use public transport and limit unnecessary fuel consumption.

Rationing Returns in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has reintroduced fuel rationing through its National Fuel Pass system, a mechanism first used during the country’s severe economic crisis in 2022.

Motorists must now register to receive limited quantities of fuel.

Private car owners are allowed 15 litres, while motorcycle users receive five litres.

Some residents have expressed frustration, saying the quotas are too low to meet daily needs.

However, authorities say the system is necessary to prevent shortages and ensure fair distribution.

Echoes of a Past Crisis

The latest measures revive memories of Sri Lanka’s economic collapse just a few years ago.

In 2022, the country ran out of foreign reserves and struggled to import essential goods, including fuel.

Long queues, power cuts and widespread shortages became part of daily life.

While the current situation has not reached that level, officials are keen to avoid a repeat of that crisis.

A Region on Edge

The developments highlight how deeply Asia depends on energy imports from the Middle East.

Any disruption to supply routes can quickly ripple across economies, affecting transport, electricity and daily life.

Experts warn that if the conflict continues, more countries may introduce stricter measures.

For now, governments are trying to balance conservation with economic stability.

But as fuel prices remain high and supply uncertain, the region faces a difficult period ahead.