<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-israel-attacks-iran-sri-lanka-completes-post-mortem-on-84-iranian-sailors-from-sunken-frigate-iris-dena-off-galle-23619639" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Sri Lanka</a> has announced a temporary shift to a four-day working week, declaring every Wednesday a public holiday, as the government prepares for potential fuel shortages triggered by escalating tensions in the West Asia region.</p>
<p>The decision, which comes into effect from March 18, was taken as part of contingency measures to conserve fuel and ensure continuity of essential services.</p>
<h2>Wednesday declared weekly public holiday</h2>
<p>Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said that all state institutions will operate only four days a week until further notice. The new arrangement will apply to schools, universities and the judiciary, while <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/west-asia-conflict-indian-navy-launched-search-and-rescue-operation-after-us-torpedoed-iranian-warship-off-sri-lanka-23619496" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">essential sectors</a> such as healthcare, ports, water supply and customs will continue to function as usual.</p>
<p>The government has also urged the private sector to adopt similar measures to reduce fuel consumption across the country.</p>
<h2>Decision taken amid worsening energy concerns</h2>
<p>The move follows a high-level emergency meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, where officials reviewed strategies to manage public services in the face of potential energy disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/west-asia-war-uae-shuts-airspace-following-iranian-missile-drone-strikes-23621151" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">West Asia</a>.</p>
<p>Authorities indicated that the situation could worsen if fuel supplies are disrupted further, prompting the need for immediate conservation efforts.</p>
<h2>Fuel rationing and price hike implemented</h2>
<p>In recent days, Sri Lanka has already introduced several steps to manage fuel demand. Retail fuel prices were increased last week to discourage hoarding, and a nationwide rationing system came into effect on Sunday.</p>
<p>Under the new system, private motorists are limited to purchasing up to 15 litres of fuel per week, while public transport operators are allocated higher quotas to maintain services.</p>
<p>Despite these measures, long queues have been reported at <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/amid-lpg-shortage-concerns-indian-oil-shares-visuals-of-normal-operations-at-mumbais-bkc-station-23620678" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">fuel stations</a>, reflecting public anxiety over supply shortages.</p>
<h2>Global tensions disrupt supply chains</h2>
<p>The government attributed the crisis to disruptions in global oil supply routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for energy shipments. Escalating conflict in the region has impacted shipping traffic, raising concerns over the availability of fuel imports.</p>
<p>Sri Lanka, which relies entirely on imported fuel, sources refined petroleum products from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/north-korea-fires-ten-ballistic-missiles-towards-south-koreas-sea-23620835" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">South Korea</a>, while crude oil for its refinery is largely sourced from the Middle East.</p>
<h2>Additional austerity measures announced</h2>
<p>Alongside the reduced work week, the government has announced further austerity steps, including suspending public ceremonies and encouraging work-from-home arrangements where possible.</p>
<p>Officials said the country&rsquo;s current fuel reserves are expected to last around six weeks, but warned that any further disruption in supply could significantly impact the economy.</p>
<h2>Economic recovery at risk</h2>
<p>Sri Lanka is still recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, when it defaulted on USD 46 billion in foreign debt after running out of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/business/business-news/article/gold-silver-fall-up-to-2-percent-as-fed-rate-hopes-fade-amid-west-asia-war-23621027" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">foreign exchange reserves</a>. The country has since secured a USD 2.9 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund.</p>
<p>Authorities cautioned that prolonged instability in global energy markets could derail recovery efforts and place additional strain on the island nation&rsquo;s fragile economy.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from PTI and AFP)</strong></p>

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