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Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays public holidays to conserve fuel

  • Fuel crisis linked to Middle East conflict and supply disruptions
  • Asia depends heavily on Strait of Hormuz energy shipments

Update : 17 Mar 2026, 02:42 PM

Long queues have formed at petrol stations across Sri Lanka as drivers rush to secure fuel, highlighting growing shortages in the region.

Several Asian countries are rolling out strict conservation measures amid concerns over supply disruptions following the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran. Asia, the world’s largest oil-importing region, received nearly 90% of oil and gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz last year, reports UNB citing BBC.

In Sri Lanka, authorities have declared Wednesdays as public holidays to cut fuel consumption. A National Fuel Pass system has also been introduced to limit how much fuel individuals can purchase.

Myanmar has imposed restrictions on private vehicles, allowing them to operate on alternate days based on license plate numbers.

In Bangladesh, the government has advanced Ramadan holidays for universities and implemented scheduled power outages to reduce energy use.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, some government offices have instructed employees to work remotely at least once a week to help ease fuel demand.

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