Brussels: Countries worldwide are tightening energy-saving measures to reduce consumption and limit the impact of rising costs as supply shortages deepen following the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, governments are introducing conservation policies to reduce demand while attempting to shield households through tax cuts, subsidies, and price controls, as reported by the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 2026 Energy Crisis Policy Response Tracker. The conflict has led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, causing Brent crude prices to surge nearly 50% above pre-war levels. The vital waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil shipments, remained largely restricted before recently reopening to selected vessels.
Natural gas prices have also surged globally, prompting many governments to introduce demand-reduction measures. Asian nations, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil supplies, have led early conservation efforts. China, for instance, imposed temporary price caps on refined petroleum products, given its heavy reliance on crude imports from the Gulf region and Iran.
In Bangladesh, authorities capped air-conditioning temperatures in public buildings at 25C (77F), temporarily closed universities, and introduced measures to reduce lighting use while expanding public transport access. Indonesia implemented a scheme allowing public-sector employees to work remotely one day per week, restricted official travel, and expanded conservation measures in public buildings, alongside efforts to accelerate its biofuel program.
India restricted industrial natural gas use, promoted pipeline gas as an alternative to liquefied petroleum gas, and imposed limits on commercial LPG consumption. South Korea introduced weekly vehicle-use limits for public institutions and launched conservation campaigns targeting energy-intensive sectors, with additional restrictions planned if oil prices reach $120-130 per barrel.
In Southeast Asia, Laos implemented remote work and shift systems for public sector workers while reducing school days from five to three. The Philippines declared a national state of emergency, introduced a four-day workweek for public employees, and restricted non-essential government travel. Myanmar introduced mandatory remote work for public officials one day per week.
In Africa, Nigeria urged industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency, while Ethiopia encouraged remote work and online meetings across public and private sectors. Egypt introduced remote-work arrangements for public-sector employees one day per week, restricted electronic-device use in government buildings, and shortened working hours for public institutions in Cairo.
In Europe, Germany introduced measures to limit fuel price increases at the pump, and France announced financial support for transportation, fishing, and agriculture sectors. Spain issued tax breaks for energy-efficiency investments and renewable-energy installations alongside fuel tax reductions. The UK announced fuel support for low-income households, while Ireland reduced fuel taxes and introduced targeted assistance for retirees and people with disabilities.
In Latin America, Brazil expanded support for fuel producers and importers while reducing diesel taxes. Chile froze kerosene prices and suspended fuel credits, while Mexico introduced price caps. Australia temporarily halved gas taxes to ease rising costs and capped gas-station profit margins.
As countries continue to grapple with the repercussions of the Middle East conflict, these energy-saving measures reflect a global effort to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs and supply shortages on economies and households worldwide.