Sri Lanka Declares Wednesdays Public Holiday To Conserve Fuel Amid Iran War Fears

Colombo, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has announced that every Wednesday will be observed as a public holiday in a bid to conserve fuel, as the country braces for possible shortages triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The move effectively shifts the island nation to a four-day working week, with government offices, schools and universities expected to remain closed on Wednesdays. Essential services such as healthcare, ports and utilities will continue to operate. Authorities say the decision comes amid fears of disruption to global oil supplies due to the escalating war, which has affected key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for energy exports to Asia. Sri Lanka, which relies heavily on imported fuel, is particularly vulnerable to such external shocks. Officials warned that shortages could worsen if the conflict continues. The government has already introduced fuel rationing measures and urged both the public and private sectors to reduce consumption. Long queues have been reported at fuel stations as citizens rush to secure supplies. Civil servants are being encouraged to work from home, while private companies have been asked to adopt similar reduced working schedules to ease demand. The situation has revived memories of Sri Lanka’s severe 2022 economic crisis, when prolonged fuel shortages triggered widespread protests and political upheaval. Officials say the latest measures are aimed at avoiding a repeat of that crisis and ensuring limited fuel reserves last longer as uncertainty in global energy markets persists.