Sri Lanka and Philippines Declare Emergency Amid Fuel and Energy Conservation Measures

March 24, Kathmandu – The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Hormuz Strait have begun to severely impact neighboring Asian countries.

Due to acute fuel shortages and rising prices, the Philippines has declared a national energy emergency, while Sri Lanka has issued strict energy-saving guidelines for its government agencies.

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has heavily affected the Philippines. The country imports nearly 98 percent of its oil from the Gulf region, and since February 28, petrol and diesel prices have more than doubled.

In response to the severe fuel supply crisis, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order declaring a one-year national energy emergency. The Philippines is the first country in the world to implement such an emergency due to the Iran-related conflict.

According to Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, the country currently has approximately 45 days’ worth of fuel reserves. To manage the high cost of gas, the government plans to increase reliance on coal-powered plants in the short term. The frequent blockade of the Hormuz Strait poses significant risks to Asian markets, where 90 percent of the world’s oil and gas trade is concentrated.

Workers Take to Streets and Announce Strikes

Following the emergency declaration, the government formed a special committee to ease the distribution of fuel, food, and medicine and gained direct authority to purchase fuel.

Measures to reduce fuel consumption include limiting government workers to a four-day work week and reducing ferry services.

However, labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) have opposed the emergency declaration, arguing that the current law restricts their right to strike during such periods. In protest against rising costs and perceived government inaction, transport workers and ride-share drivers have announced two-day strikes on Thursday and Friday.

The protesters demand elimination of fuel taxes, price reductions, and increases in fares and wages. Meanwhile, business leaders have expressed support for the government’s actions during the crisis.

Sri Lanka’s Strict Measures: Lifts and Air Conditioning Banned in Offices

Anticipating possible fuel shortages and an energy crisis, Sri Lanka has also issued stringent energy conservation directives for government bodies. According to reports, the country’s key essential services office circulated guidelines to all ministry secretaries and department heads to reduce fuel and electricity consumption.

Under the new rules, employees are required to use public or shared transportation instead of personal vehicles. The number of vehicles used for fieldwork should be minimized by preparing daily travel plans.

To conserve electricity, offices have been instructed to use fans instead of air conditioning, maximize natural daylight during working hours, and promote stair use instead of elevators.

Streetlights outside high-security zones should not be lit unnecessarily, and technology should be utilized to enable employees to work from home wherever possible. The Sri Lankan government has urged all officials to lead by example in the national energy conservation efforts.

(With agency contributions)