Post by : Shakul

Sri Lanka has announced a four-day work week for government institutions as an emergency step to conserve fuel, amid rising concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies. The decision was taken after an urgent meeting led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with officials warning that the situation may worsen if the conflict continues.

The move is linked to escalating tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil. Any disruption in this region poses a serious risk to countries like Sri Lanka, which depend heavily on imported fuel and are highly vulnerable to global supply shocks.

Under the new measures, government offices, schools, and universities will operate only four days a week, with Wednesday declared a holiday for most institutions. Essential services such as hospitals, ports, and emergency operations will continue as usual, while public ceremonies are suspended and work-from-home is being encouraged. The government has also urged private companies to adopt similar steps to reduce fuel consumption.

Sri Lanka has already implemented fuel rationing, limiting motorists to around 15 litres per week, with current reserves expected to last about six weeks. The situation has revived concerns about the country’s fragile economy, still recovering from the 2022 financial crisis. Officials warned that a prolonged conflict could derail recovery efforts, while other countries like Pakistan and the Philippines are also adopting similar austerity measures to tackle fuel shortages.

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