Sri Lanka announces four-day work week to conserve fuel amid ongoing Hormuz crisis
The decision comes amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping routes — following Iran’s retaliation against the US and Israel.
PTC News Desk: Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and subsequent global oil crisis, Sri Lanka has moved to four-day work week in a bid to conserve fuel and avoid another crippling energy crisis, reported Channel News Asia.
The decision comes amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping routes — following Iran’s retaliation against the US and Israel. As the conflict enters its third week, nations reliant on imported energy are racing to conserve supplies. Sri Lanka, still recovering from its severe 2022 economic crisis, has moved quickly to curb fuel use before conditions deteriorate further.
Officials announced that all state institutions will shift to a four-day workweek starting Wednesday as part of emergency steps to preserve fuel reserves.
Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the revised schedule will also apply to schools and universities and may continue indefinitely.
He added that the government is urging the private sector to adopt similar measures, proposing Wednesdays as a weekly holiday. Chandrakeerthi made the remarks after an emergency meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The initiative aims to cut down on commuting and reduce strain on the country’s fuel resources.
“We must prepare for the worst while hoping for the best,” Dissanayake told senior officials, according to a person present at the meeting.