Energy Crisis Hits Asia: Sri Lanka Declares 3-Day Weekend

In response, the Sri Lankan government has declared Wednesdays as an additional public holiday, effectively implementing a four-day workweek to conserve fuel. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake warned of a "worst-case scenario" while negotiating with India and Russia for alternative energy supplies. A fuel rationing system, similar to the one used during the 2022 economic crisis, has also been reintroduced.

As 90% of the region's oil and gas transit through the Hormuz Strait, other Asian nations are taking drastic measures. Thailand is encouraging lighter clothing to reduce AC usage, while Myanmar has implemented an odd-even vehicle rotation system. In the Philippines, President Marcos Jr. mandated a weekly work-from-home day for officials and announced cash subsidies for farmers and fishermen. Vietnam is promoting carpooling and public transport to mitigate the impact of a 60% surge in global oil prices, which threatens to destabilize the continent's economy.