Schools Shut, Fuel Prices Spiked: How India's Neighbours Are Battling Energy Crisis Amid Iran War

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 08:58 IST

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have each announced actions to conserve fuel and electricity and manage the impact on citizens.

Countries across South Asia are implementing emergency measures to cope with rising fuel prices and electricity shortages, driven by disruptions in global energy supplies amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have each announced actions to conserve fuel and electricity and manage the impact on citizens.

Bangladesh Closes Universities, Rations Fuel

Bangladesh has ordered all public and private universities to shut from Monday, advancing the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency steps to conserve electricity and fuel.

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Authorities said suspending academic activities would reduce power consumption from residential halls, classrooms, laboratories, and air-conditioning systems, while also easing traffic congestion in major cities.

“The decision has been taken to reduce electricity and fuel consumption, considering the current global situation," the Ministry of Education said in a directive. Most schools were already closed for Ramadan, meaning educational institutions across the country will remain shut during this period.

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Alongside the closures, Bangladesh has imposed daily limits on fuel sales following reports of panic buying and stockpiling in several areas.

Pakistan Implements School Closures And Austerity Measures

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a range of measures to reduce energy consumption amid surging oil prices. Schools will close for two weeks, and universities will shift to online classes to limit commuting.

Government departments will face a 50% cut in fuel allowances for two months, while 60% of official vehicles—excluding buses and ambulances—will be taken off the road. Additionally, only half of government staff will work from offices, with essential services exempt, and offices will operate four days a week.

“To stabilise the economy we have taken difficult decisions," Sharif said in a televised address, adding that the government was trying to minimise the burden on citizens despite limited control over global fuel prices.

Sri Lanka Raises Fuel Prices

Sri Lanka has also responded to rising global energy costs by increasing fuel prices. Ceypetco announced that from midnight today, the price of auto diesel will rise by Rs 22 to Rs 303, super diesel by Rs 24 to Rs 353, petrol Octane 92 by Rs 24 to Rs 317, Octane 95 by Rs 25 to Rs 365, and kerosene by Rs 13 to Rs 195.

News world Schools Shut, Fuel Prices Spiked: How India's Neighbours Are Battling Energy Crisis Amid Iran War

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