Governments worldwide are implementing significant fuel restrictions as the Iran conflict sparks a global energy crisis reminiscent of the 1970s.
Recent stringent regulations have been introduced by countries like Egypt, Slovenia, and the Philippines, with the UK also considering contingency plans to address potential petrol shortages. Proposed measures in the UK may include a £30 fuel purchase limit, a temporary 50mph national speed limit, and priority access for essential services such as the NHS and police.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has announced a four-day workweek for government employees, and the Philippines has declared a state of national energy emergency due to the imminent risk of a critically low energy supply.
The situation has been exacerbated by Iran’s placement of additional sea mines in the vital Strait of Hormuz, leading to a closure of the key Middle East waterway and subsequent spikes in oil prices.
In response to dwindling energy reserves, Egypt has mandated early closures for restaurants, cafes, and shops at 9pm, along with dimming street lighting and advertisements. The nation’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, described the circumstances as an “extraordinary crisis.”
Despite the Iran oil crisis, the UK’s energy minister, Michael Shanks, advised against altering driving habits or fuel purchasing behavior. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended global motorists reduce speeds, carpool, and work from home to conserve fuel.
The conflict has resulted in UK drivers spending over £300 million more on fuel, as per the RAC Foundation. The surge in oil prices, reaching $120 per barrel, has led to significant increases in petrol and diesel costs at UK forecourts.
Reports suggest that the UK government is revising emergency rationing plans for petrol and diesel, potentially implementing a £30 fuel purchase limit and giving priority access to essential services. Slovenia has already imposed fuel rationing, limiting individual purchases to 50 litres per day, with exceptions for businesses and farmers.
In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a national energy emergency to address the repercussions of the Middle East conflict, aiming to ensure the availability and fair distribution of essential goods while cracking down on hoarding and price manipulation.