NEW DELHI: Countries in South Asia, home to a fifth of the world’s population and some struggling economies, have unveiled a number of measures to tackle the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has squeezed supplies and raised prices.
Here is a look at some of the measures rolled out so far.
INDIA:
* The government slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel.
* Windfall taxes imposed on aviation fuel and diesel exports.
* Emergency measures invoked to divert gas supplies from non-priority sectors to key users.
* Oil refiners directed to increase production of liquefied petroleum gas.
PAKISTAN
* Government departments given 50 percent cut in fuel allowances for two months.
* Work week shortened to four days for government offices.
* All offices to operate with 50 percent staff physically present.
* Pakistan Super League, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league, moved behind closed doors.
BANGLADESH
* Offices and banks operate for seven hours, shopping malls to close by 7 p.m.
* Offices to cut power consumption, including by avoiding excessive lighting.
* Ban on decorative lighting at events.
* Reduction in fuel and energy use in public offices, restrictions on non-essential travel.
NEPAL
* One-day weekly holiday in schools and government offices extended to two days.
* Government to make “legal arrangements” to convert petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles.
* Price of aviation fuel more than doubled to avoid supply disruption.
* Petrol and diesel prices raised.
* Cooking gas rationing in force.
SRI LANKA
* Wednesday declared a public holiday to help fuel supplies go further.
* Train and bus services reduced.
* Power tariffs raised for households and industries.
MALDIVES
* Seeking fuel supply from India.
* Fuel prices raised to maintain supply.
