The Strait of Hormuz—a narrow stretch of water between Iran and Oman—handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Now effectively closed after Iran moved to block or restrict passage in response to the ongoing regional war, what was once a steady flow of tankers has slowed to a near standstill, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Within weeks, nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments have been disrupted, pushing prices sharply upward and forcing governments worldwide into contingency mode.
The effects are already compounding. Governments across the world have already began adjusting in real time, introducing curfews, rationing fuel, limiting electricity use, and quietly reshaping how people move through their days. In cities thousands of kilometers from the conflict, lights dim earlier, public transport is made free to discourage driving, and workweeks are shortened to conserve energy. These aren’t merely symbolic gestures; they’re attempts to absorb the shock of a supply chain under strain.
Because while the war may be concentrated in one region, its effects are anything but contained. The disruption of a single maritime corridor has triggered a global ripple effect that’s being felt not just in oil markets or policy rooms, but in opening hours, commute patterns, and the subtle reordering of everyday life.
Read on to discover how countries around the world are responding in real time.
Australia
Australia is trying to get people out of their cars altogether. In both Victoria and Tasmania, public transport has been made temporarily free—trains, buses, trams, even ferries—in an effort to reduce fuel consumption as petrol prices climb. The spike has been sharp, with national averages jumping significantly since the start of the war. Tasmania has gone a step further, extending free travel to school buses, easing the financial pressure on families while cutting down on road traffic.
Egypt
Egypt has effectively put the country on an energy diet. Shops, cafes, and restaurants are now required to shut by 9PM on weekdays and 10PM on weekends (minus tourist attractions and essential services like pharmacies), transforming the rhythm of cities that typically run late into the night. Street lighting has been dimmed, remote work has been introduced for parts of the workforce, and fuel prices and transport fares have been raised. At the same time, the government is scaling back energy-heavy infrastructure projects and cutting its own fuel usage in an attempt to stay ahead of a rapidly escalating energy bill.
Philippines
The Philippines has declared a national emergency as fuel costs surge. The government is stepping in with subsidies for transport workers while also cutting back—reducing ferry services and shifting civil servants onto a four-day work week. With the country heavily dependent on imported oil, officials are also racing to build up reserves, signaling that more restrictions could follow if the situation worsens.
Sri Lanka
Still recovering from a recent financial crisis, Sri Lanka is taking no chances. Wednesdays have been turned into a weekly shutdown for public institutions, including schools and universities, to conserve energy. Fuel is also being tightly rationed, with strict weekly limits for both cars and motorbikes. These measures that feel less like precaution and more like déjà vu for a country that has already lived through shortages.
Thailand
Thailand’s approach is more subtle, but no less telling. Citizens are being asked to use less air conditioning—keeping it at higher temperatures despite the country’s intense heat—and government workers have shifted to remote work. It’s a small behavioral shift on paper, but in a climate like Thailand’s, it speaks to just how seriously energy consumption is being managed.
Myanmar
Myanmar has introduced one of the more rigid systems: cars are only allowed on the road on alternate days depending on their license plate number. On top of that, fuel purchases are now digitally tracked through QR codes, effectively turning fuel into a monitored commodity. Electric vehicles, notably, are exempt—offering a glimpse into how governments may prioritize energy use moving forward.
Vietnam
Vietnam is leaning into behavioral change. Authorities are urging people to stay home more, cycle, carpool, and rely on public transport wherever possible. At the same time, the government has removed certain fuel taxes and VAT to soften the financial blow, balancing restriction with relief in an attempt to keep the economy moving without overconsuming energy.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh moved quickly, shutting down universities and introducing planned blackouts to reduce electricity demand. Fuel sales are now being rationed for most vehicles, adding another layer of control over consumption. The measures are as much about preventing shortages as they are about managing cost.
Slovenia
Slovenia has become the first EU country to formally ration fuel. Private drivers are now capped on how much fuel they can purchase daily, while businesses and agricultural sectors are given higher allowances. It’s a clear sign that even in Europe, where direct conflict feels distant, the economic aftershocks are already being tightly managed.
