Global Fuel Crisis: Not Just Modi—Countries Enforce Energy Curbs
PM Narendra Modi holds a CCS meeting on Sunday over West Asia situations. (Image PIB)
As Narendra Modi flags parallels with Covid, nations worldwide—from China to Sri Lanka and Pakistan—impose tough measures to tackle soaring oil prices.
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, March 25, 2026 — Narendra Modi is not alone in drawing parallels between the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing global fuel crisis, as governments worldwide roll out tough energy-saving measures.
From China to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, nations are scrambling to manage soaring oil prices and strained supplies.
China, despite having reserves covering nearly three months of imports, has moved to limit fuel price hikes even as consumers face sharp increases. South Korea has launched a nationwide campaign urging citizens to cut shower time, charge devices during the day and reduce electricity use.
Sri Lanka has taken one of the most drastic steps, declaring a public holiday every Wednesday to conserve fuel. Pakistan, grappling with acute shortages, has shut schools for two weeks and pushed for increased work-from-home arrangements.
Across Southeast Asia, governments are enforcing austerity. Thailand has asked officials to avoid overseas travel, limit air-conditioning, ditch formal attire and work remotely. The Philippines has shortened work weeks in some government offices after declaring a national energy emergency.
The International Energy Agency has also stepped in, announcing a record release of around 400 million barrels from strategic reserves. It has recommended measures such as remote working, reduced air travel and energy conservation to ease pressure on oil markets.
IEA chief Fatih Birol said similar steps taken by European countries after the Ukraine war helped them manage shortages while maintaining energy stability.
Meanwhile, Singapore has urged citizens to adopt energy-efficient appliances, switch to electric vehicles and keep air-conditioning at higher temperatures.
The ripple effects are already visible on the ground. Farmers, fishermen and small businesses in several countries are struggling with rising fuel costs, with some agricultural producers reportedly cutting back on planting.
As the crisis deepens, the global response increasingly mirrors pandemic-era discipline—only this time, the battle is for energy security.
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