Fuel Price Surges! These Countries Implement Work from Home and Four-Day Working Weeks — Will Indonesia Follow?

Rising global oil prices have begun to directly impact various countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which is heavily dependent on energy imports. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Iran and Israel-United States, have triggered disruptions to global oil supplies and caused fuel prices to surge sharply in recent times.

These conditions have forced many governments to take swift action to curb energy consumption. One policy increasingly being adopted is the promotion of work from home (WFH), alongside the reduction of activities requiring high mobility.

This approach is considered effective in reducing transportation fuel consumption whilst conserving energy nationally. Several countries have gone beyond simply encouraging WFH, also implementing four-day working weeks, restricting government vehicle usage, and temporarily closing schools.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s government has implemented energy-saving measures by introducing work-from-home policies for certain public sector employees. Physical office attendance for non-essential services has been significantly reduced, whilst administrative work is being encouraged to be conducted remotely.

In addition to the WFH policy, the government has also introduced four-day working weeks for certain agencies. This measure aims to reduce electricity usage and transportation fuel consumption, which have increased due to rising global oil prices.

Vietnam

Vietnam has also begun encouraging companies and government agencies to implement work-from-home arrangements. The government has asked the business sector to consider flexible working systems to reduce daily employee commutes.

This policy was adopted following sharp increases in fuel prices. Rising petrol and diesel prices have prompted government concern about economic impacts and consumer purchasing power.

Additionally, Vietnam’s government has urged the public not to hoard fuel and to use energy more efficiently.

Thailand

Thailand has also promoted remote work as part of its national energy-saving strategy. The government has asked government agencies and private companies to consider flexible working arrangements to reduce worker mobility.