NEW DELHI: Countries in South Asia, home to a fifth of the world’s population and some struggling economies, have unveiled a number of measures to tackle the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has squeezed supplies and raised prices, reports Arab News.
Here is a look at some of the measures rolled out so far.
Government departments given 50 per cent cut in fuel allowances for two months. Work week shortened to four days for government offices. All offices to operate with 50 per cent staff physically present. Pakistan Super League, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league, moved behind closed doors.
The government slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel. Windfall taxes imposed on aviation fuel and diesel exports. Emergency measures invoked to divert gas supplies from non-priority sectors to key users. Oil refiners directed to increase production of liquefied petroleum gas.
Offices and banks operate for seven hours, shopping malls to close by 7pm. Offices to cut power consumption, including by avoiding excessive lighting. Ban on decorative lighting at events. Reduction in fuel and energy use in public offices, restrictions on non-essential travel.
One-day weekly holiday in schools and government offices extended to two days. Government to make ‘legal arrangements’ to convert petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles. Price of aviation fuel more than doubled to avoid supply disruption. Petrol and diesel prices raised. Cooking gas rationing in force.
Wednesday declared a public holiday to help fuel supplies go further. Train and bus services reduced. Power tariffs raised for households and industries.
Seeking fuel supply from India. Fuel prices raised to maintain supply.
