The war against Iran has triggered an energy crisis, especially in Asia. In one state, the oil shortage has a particularly drastic impact.
Mar 17, 2026, 1:52 p.mMar 17, 2026, 1:53 p.m
Tobias Schibilla / t-online
Sri Lanka is responding to impending energy shortages with drastic measures. In the future, government facilities will be closed on Wednesdays to save fuel. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on the authorities to take precautions. You have to “prepare for the worst,” he said, according to a British report BBC at a crisis meeting. The additional rest period also applies to schools and universities, but not to primary care facilities such as health or immigration authorities.
The background is the tense situation on the global energy market. Since the military conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz – one of the most important transport routes for oil – has been severely affected. A large proportion of deliveries to Asia pass through this strait.
Oil crisis has Asia firmly in its grip
Other countries in Asia are also trying to reduce their energy consumption. In Thailand, the government is promoting lighter clothing so that people use air conditioning less often. In Myanmar, private vehicles are only allowed to drive on certain days. Bangladesh is relying on planned power shutdowns, while authorities in the Philippines are increasingly ordering home work and restricting business trips. Vietnam calls for people to use public transport and reduce private journeys.
Sri Lanka also has a strict fuel rationing system. Drivers must register and only receive limited quantities of gasoline. The measure builds on regulations from the severe economic crisis in 2022. Back then, there were sometimes kilometer-long queues in front of gas stations.