With the conflict in the Middle East sending oil prices through the roof, nations across the globe have enacted measures to ensure their country’s continued supply.
See what Australia has put in place and how it compares to other strategies being employed worldwide.
AUSTRALIA
The national cabinet has agreed to a four phase Fuel Security Plan in order to ensure each state is consistently responding to the situation.
In level one, everyone can purchase fuel normally but governments will monitor the situation and work with supplies to ensure petrol is getting where it needs to go.
During level two, which is our current status, consumers are asked to voluntarily only purchase the fuel they need in order to help minimise ongoing localised supply challenges.
During level three, governments will encourage Australians to take more “voluntary practical measures” to conserve fuel
If we reach level four, that is when fuel will be distributed to priority groups first. These groups include life supporting services, utilities or emergency services.
Additionally, Victoria and Tasmania have made public transport free to encourage usage.
EGYPT
Restaurants, shops and cafes must close by 9pm.
Streetlights are illuminated signs have been dimmed and the public is urged to work from home at least one day a week.
THAILAND
The government has issued directives to work from home and keep airconditioning temperatures at 26C.
In a bid to set an example, television anchors have appeared on air without their jackets to encourage others to dress in a way that reduces a need for airconditioning.
INDIA
The biggest impact felt is due to the shortage of not oil but natural gas due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Factories are shutting down and restaurants are either closing their doors or removing items from their menus which take too long to cook.
SRI LANKA
Every Wednesday is now a public holiday to conserve fuel.
Petrol rationing is in effect with a limit of 15L per week for cars.
UNITED STATES
Donald Trump has temporarily suspended smog restrictions on high-ethanol E15 petrol.
Oil has been released from the strategic reserve and sanctions on Venezuela and Russia have been relaxed in a bid to lower prices.
SOUTH SUDAN
As this country generates most of its electricity from oil, the government has started rationing electricity in the capital city of Juba.
Different parts of the city are taking turns to experience power cuts.
When an area is having its turn at a planned blackout, there will be no electricity for homes or businesses in those neighbourhoods from 4pm to 4am.
MAURITIUS
This nation also relies heavily on oil to create electricity so the government is enforcing regulations under the Energy Efficiency Act to sanction wastage of power.
Places which could face sanctions include “high-consumption areas such as shopping malls, football grounds at night and schools after hours.”
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is increasing the amount of ethanol it uses in its petrol, from five to 20 per cent.
It also plans to temporarily axe some fuel import taxes to combat price rises for citizens.
ETHIOPIA
Security institutions, major government projects, key industries, essential goods manufacturing and public transport are being prioritised for fuel distribution.
People are being asked to conserve petrol including by reducing movements and there is a crackdown on the petrol black market.
KENYA
The government is attempting to deny there is an issue despite some 20 per cent of petrol stations running dry.
Retailers have been accused of hoarding fuel.
Ports are prioritising the shipment of perishable good such as tea, flowers and avocadoes.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Competition Commission warned fuel stations if they excessively hike prices they will be prosecuted.
ITALY
The government has temporarily cut the fuel tax by 40 cents a litre.
SPAIN
A multi-billion dollar package cuts the fuel excise by 50 cents a litre.
PHILIPPINES
The government has declared a national energy emergency and is offering cash assistance to its citizens.
SOUTH KOREA
The government has rolled out a national fuel-conservation campaign which urges people to take short showers, ride their bikes and charge their phones and cars during the day instead of overnight. Residents are encouraged to only use the vacuum cleaner and washing machine on a weekend. They have also capped fuel exports.
VIETNAM
Two dozen domestic flights a week have been suspended to conserve jet fuel.
CHINA
Banned refined fuel exports, including jet fuel of which Australia is a major purchaser, and scaled back a planned petrol price increase to relieve pressure on consumers.
BANGLADESH
All universities are closed and the Eid public holidays were brought forward to reduce people’s movements. Strict fuel purchase limits are in place – motorcycles can buy up to two litres and private cars 10L a day. Long-distance are restricted to 220L of diesel.
JAPAN
The government is subsidising fuel costs and has release 80 million barrels of oil from public and private reserves.
PAKISTAN
Government employees now have a four day working week and spring holidays started early.
Wedding have also faced restrictions with a cap of 200 guests and only dish is permitted to be served.
MYANMAR
Government employees work remotely on Wednesdays and there is a QR code system in place tracking consumption to deter people from filling up too often.
Extracted in full from: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/global-fuel-crisis-how-australias-plan-compares-worldwide/news-story/90417f9b3fe6c47926d111907a1c145a
