Governments across the globe are urging citizens and businesses to reduce energy consumption and implementing emergency measures in response to a sharp spike in global oil prices. The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged above $100 per barrel earlier this month for the first time since 2022 and has since reached $115.

The increase follows attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on gas infrastructure linked to the US war on Iran, raising concerns over prolonged disruption to a route that carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. In reaction, nations from Asia-Pacific to Europe are rolling out conservation strategies and support packages to mitigate the economic impact.

International Agency Issues 10-Point Plan

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a 10-point plan for governments, businesses, and consumers to immediately ease pressure on oil markets. Key recommendations include adopting work-from-home policies, reducing highway speed limits by at least six miles per hour, increasing car-sharing, cutting back on air travel, and using more public transport.

"The demand-side measures highlighted in the report cannot match the scale of disrupted supply," the IEA stated. "However, they can play a meaningful role in lowering costs for consumers, reducing market strains and preserving fuels for essential uses until normal flows resume."

Asia-Pacific: Workweek Changes and Public Appeals

In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a temporary four-day workweek for government staff, excluding emergency services, alongside orders to cut electricity and fuel use in agencies. "With the expected global oil price increase, the government is preparing measures to reduce its impact on Filipino families," a government statement said. The country is particularly vulnerable, relying on the Middle East for nearly 90% of its oil supply.

Pakistan has ordered a suite of austerity measures, including a four-day work week, having half of public sector employees work from home, and closing schools for two weeks. Salaries for cabinet ministers have been paused and government spending cut by 20%. In a stark move, fans were ordered to watch the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament from home due to the fuel shortage, cancelling stadium attendances that normally reach 30,000.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged citizens not to stockpile fuel, warning of fire risks, after long queues formed at petrol stations. The government has capped diesel prices for at least 15 days. Vietnam has encouraged businesses to adopt work-from-home policies, while Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays a public holiday to conserve fuel, affecting schools and universities.

Public Transport Incentives in Australia

Two Australian states are offering free public transport to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. The state of Victoria, including Melbourne, is providing complimentary train, tram, and bus travel from March 31 to April 30. Tasmania has waived bus and ferry fees until July 30, with officials noting a 20% rise in public transit use as pump prices increased.

"We might not be able to control those global oil prices. What we can control and support is cost-of-living measures right now," said Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. Nationally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has halved the fuel tax for three months.

European Responses: From Advice to Aid Packages

In Europe, responses vary from public advisories to substantial financial aid. The UK's AA motoring organisation advised drivers to consider cutting non-essential journeys. "Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers," said AA President Edmund King.

Denmark's Energy and Utilities Minister Lars Aagaard made a direct appeal: "What the Danes should please, please, please do is that if there is any energy consumption that you can do without, if it is not strictly necessary to drive the car, then don't do it."

Spain has approved a €5.8 billion aid package, including reducing VAT on electricity and gas from 21% to 10% and introducing a 20-cent-per-litre subsidy for transport operators and farmers. Germany is preparing legislation to limit petrol stations to increasing fuel prices only once per day at noon to improve price transparency for motorists.

Other Global Measures

India has invoked emergency powers to divert liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies from industrial users to households and essential sectors like hospitals. Egypt is enforcing early closures for malls and restaurants at 9 p.m. on weekdays and reducing public lighting. Bangladesh has shut university campuses and implemented temporary blackouts to save electricity.

As the situation evolves, governments continue to assess their strategic fuel reserves and seek alternative supply sources, emphasising preparedness for potential prolonged market instability.