Nations respond to fuel crisis with free public transport and four-day weeks
The plan in Victoria, whose capital is Melbourne, is set to remain in place until the end of April in its initial phase.
With fuel costs climbing in the wake of the Iran war, Victoria is moving swiftly to blunt the impact on households by making public transport free from tomorrow.
In a post on social media, state Premier Jacinta Allan described the decision as a “temporary measure to take pressure off the pump and ease the cost of living for Victorians right now”.
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“It won’t solve every problem, but it is an immediate step I can take to help Victorians right now,” she added.
The plan in Victoria, whose capital is Melbourne, is set to remain in place until the end of April in its initial phase.
Commuters wait for a train at Footscray Station in Melbourne
Victoria’s move comes as governments across the world roll out fuel-saving policies in response to a crisis that is sharply driving up supply pressures and costs.
Among the other measures now being introduced are the following.
Egypt – 9pm business ‘curfew’
Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping centres to shut by 9pm as it tries to rein in energy bills that have more than doubled because of the Iran war.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the ‘curfew’, brought in on Saturday night, would initially stay in force for a month.
The steps – which the government has called “exceptional” – also include dimming streetlights and roadside advertising.
Authorities have further announced plans to slow major state projects with high fuel and diesel consumption for at least two months.
The government says Egypt’s monthly energy bill has surged from $560 million (€485m) before the war to $1.65 billion (€1.42bn) now.
Egyptian shopkeepers close early under measures designed to cut energy use
Thailand – ‘wear shorter sleeves’ and ‘take the stairs’
In Thailand, officials are urging civil servants to swap formal suits for short-sleeved shirts in a bid to reduce dependence on air conditioning in hot weather.
Other steps for the public sector include suspending overseas trips and encouraging employees to take the stairs rather than elevators.
Earlier in March, Thailand had imposed fuel price caps, but mounting fiscal pressure forced the government to scrap them on 18 March.
Fuel prices reportedly rose by 22% soon after.
There may, however, be some respite ahead: Thailand said on Saturday it had reached an agreement with Iran to give its oil tankers safe passage.
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Sri Lanka – four-day week
Facing mounting strain on fuel supplies, the Sri Lankan government declared every Wednesday a public holiday.
That effectively created a four-day working week for state institutions, schools and universities.
Civil servants have also been told to work from home where possible.
Drivers queue to refuel their rickshaws at a fuel station in Biyagama in Sri Lanka
South Korea – ‘shorter showers’ and new charging guidelines
South Korea is calling on the public to use less energy by taking shorter showers and restricting the charging of phones and electric vehicles to designated times of day.
The government is also weighing mandatory limits on private sector vehicle use, which for now remain voluntary.
It has further said five nuclear reactors will be restarted by May, while signalling that the lives of three coal power plants due to close this year could be extended.
While those decisions point to greater short-term reliance on traditional energy sources, ministers say investment in renewables will continue to grow.
Myanmar – car bans on alternate days
Myanmar has imposed sweeping limits on the use of private cars.
Under the “even-odd” licensing system announced on 7 March, vehicles with even-numbered plates can drive only on even dates, while odd-numbered plates are restricted to odd dates.
The ruling military junta is also using QR codes to deter multiple fuel refills in a single day.
The policy has reportedly caused major congestion at petrol stations.
Philippines – ‘national energy emergency’
On 24 March, the Philippines became the first country in the world to declare a “national energy emergency” because of the war.
Transport workers and activists march during a strike over fuel costs in Manila, Philippines
Like many of its south Asian neighbours, it has responded with measures including a shorter work week and fuel subsidies to soften the blow of rising prices.
Some of its other decisions have proved more contentious.
A ban on a dirtier type of fuel has been temporarily lifted, and the country is also due to import Russian oil this month for the first time in five years.