Due to the ongoing war between America, Israel and Iran in the Middle East, there is a ban on the movement of international ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Due to this, there is a crisis in the energy supply of the entire world, which also includes South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where the governments have taken many major decisions regarding the effects of the Iran war.
bangladesh
- According to a Reuters report, in view of the supply pressure in Bangladesh, the government has reduced the working hours of offices, now it has been reduced to normal from 9 am to 4 pm.
- To save electricity and energy in the country, orders have been given to close markets and shopping centers early. Under the new rules, government offices will function from 9 am to 4 pm, while markets and shopping centers will close at 6 pm.
- According to the report, the Bangladesh government is cutting non-essential expenses and requesting industries to reduce electricity consumption such as excessive lighting.
- According to the report, the Education Ministry is considering changing the school timings and conducting partial online classes, so that the energy consumption spent in transportation of students can be curbed. This step is being taken due to the cost of importing fuel and difficulties in supply due to the war in the Middle East. The government is also considering measures like work-from-home and changes in weekly holidays. The Education Ministry will issue guidelines for schools from Sunday, which will include options like change in time table and change in online classes.
- Amidst deepening energy crisis, Bangladesh has sought temporary waiver from the US to allow diesel import from Russia. According to officials, turmoil in the Middle East is affecting global energy markets and increasing pressure on fuel supplies. Dhaka has sought permission similar to the exemption given to India and has proposed to import about 600,000 metric tons of Russian diesel.
Pakistan
- According to Al Jazeera report, Pakistan has ordered sweeping austerity measures due to the oil crisis caused by the Iran war.
- According to Reuters, Pakistan has decided to close schools and adopt many other measures to save energy consumption amid rising oil prices.
- According to reports, amid the rise in global oil prices due to the increasing conflict in the Middle East, Pakistan has also increased the fuel prices in its country drastically. Pakistan on Thursday (April 2, 2026) sharply increased the consumer prices of diesel and petrol, which is the second increase in less than a month. The price of diesel was increased by 54.9% to Rs 520.35 per liter, while the price of petrol was increased by 42.7% to Rs 458.40 per liter.
- A day after the sharp reaction over the huge increase in fuel prices, the Pakistan government reduced the price of petrol by Pakistani rupees 80 per liter. On Thursday (April 2), the government had announced an unprecedented increase in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by 43% and 55% respectively. The next day, strong protests started against this huge increase. After this, PM Shahbaz Sharif announced a cut of Rs 80 per liter on petrol.
Sri Lanka
- According to Reuters report, due to the impact of increasing energy costs, Sri Lanka has increased the price of electricity (power tariff) in the country.
- To control fuel consumption, Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday as a government holiday. Along with this, fuel rationing has been implemented and the prices at petrol pumps have been increased by about 35% at the beginning of this month.
- According to Reuters report, the island country Sri Lanka is in continuous talks with Russia, India and America to ensure fuel supply. Apart from this, according to Janaka Rajakaruna, Chairman of the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka is spending $600 million to buy refined fuel for the month of April.
Also read: Why did the ship loaded with Iranian oil coming to India turn towards China? The central government gave this answer