Sri Lanka has announced a nationwide measure to conserve fuel by declaring every Wednesday a public holiday for state institutions, as the country faces mounting energy shortages linked to global disruptions.
The move effectively creates a four-day working week for government offices, schools, and universities. Authorities say essential services such as healthcare and immigration will continue to operate normally. The decision comes as fuel supplies tighten due to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global oil flows, particularly through key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials have also introduced fuel rationing, limiting how much petrol and diesel individuals can purchase each week. Long queues have already been reported at fuel stations, raising concerns of a repeat of the country’s earlier economic crisis.
The government is encouraging remote work where possible and has urged the private sector to adopt similar measures. Other Asian nations are also implementing energy-saving strategies as the regional impact of the crisis continues to grow.
Authorities warn that prolonged disruptions could significantly affect Sri Lanka’s fragile economic recovery.