Fuel Crisis: Global tension is at its peak regarding the America-Israel and Iran war. The supply of oil and gas has been severely disrupted across the world. Due to the war, the prices of crude oil are skyrocketing in the international market. There is a huge shortage of petrol and diesel in many countries and a situation like ‘energy lockdown’ is starting to develop. Somewhere odd-even is being implemented, and somewhere work from home has started.
The situation has worsened due to the oil crisis in Pakistan amid the Iran war. Amidst the situation getting out of control, Shahbaz government had taken many tough decisions. He had announced work-from-home (WFH) on March 9 itself. Apart from this, it was decided to work in government offices only four days a week. Except for essential services, 50 percent of the employees of other government departments were asked to work from home.
Not only this, school holidays were also declared in Pakistan for two weeks. Also, colleges and universities were ordered to shift ‘online’ immediately. Oil and gas prices are skyrocketing in Pakistan.
Similar situation exists in Bangladesh also. Amidst the Iran war, the price of petrol is increasing rapidly there. People are standing in queues for hours outside petrol pumps to get fuel filled. Many petrol pumps have also been closed. Also, huge power cuts are being introduced in the country. Bangladesh has declared school holidays since Ramzan.
Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a public holiday amid the oil crisis. Work will be possible in schools, colleges and offices only four days a week. However, these rules do not apply to health, ports, water supply and custom services. Not only this, the National Fuel Pass has been re-implemented here i.e. fuel is being given through QR code. A maximum limit of 15 liters per week has been fixed for private vehicles. Up to 200 liters is being given to public transport. Bikes and scooters will be able to fill only 5 liters of oil.
According to media reports, ‘Odd-Even’ rule is applicable on private vehicles to deal with fuel shortage from March 7, 2026. Trains with number plates starting with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 will run on even dates, while trains with number plates starting with 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will run on odd numbers. Not only this, according to officials, the government is considering lockdown.
There are similar situations in many countries. In the government offices of the Philippines, work is being done only for 4 days. So private offices have been ordered to work from home. Also, non-essential travel in public areas has been banned. At the same time, there has been a request to promote work-from-home in Vietnam also.
Due to the oil crisis, the situation has gone out of control in many countries. Talking about India, the government has made it clear that at present there is no shortage of oil and gas in the country and imposing a lockdown is also not being considered. In the recent meeting with the Chief Ministers, PM Modi had clearly said that there will be no lockdown in the country. We have to work as a team and deal with this problem like Covid-19.