UAE Also Implements WFH and Limits Vehicle Speeds

The European Union (EU) is urging residents in the region to work from home (WFH) and lower the maximum speed limit on motorways amid the energy crisis resulting from the escalation in the Middle East. “Even if peace is achieved tomorrow, conditions will not return to normal immediately,” said EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen on Tuesday (31/3). “The more that can be done to save oil, especially diesel and jet fuel, the better,” he stated. Jorgensen also called on EU countries to follow the recommendations of the International Energy Agency, including working from home and reducing speeds on motorways by 10 kilometres per hour from the maximum limit. He further encouraged the use of public transport, carpooling, and efficient driving practices. The US-Israel war with Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted energy supplies, triggering shortages and global price pressures. On 2 March, Iran announced restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to attack vessels passing without permission. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily, and the disruption has driven up oil prices as well as shipping and insurance costs.