Drivers are also been urged to switch to public transport or ‘drive more slowly’.
Smoke after explosions in Erbil, Iraq (Image: Getty)
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called for a return to Covid-style homeworking to counter oil shortages caused by the war in Iran. It said those who continued to travel should use public transport – or drive more slowly, to save petrol. Warning the conflict had triggered “the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market”, the IEA said widespread adoption of measures to rapidly cut demand would “help cushion the shock”.
It said: “Working from home where possible reduces fuel demand for commuting, while lowering highway speed limits by at least 10 kilometres per hour cuts fuel use across both passenger vehicles and freight.
“Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport, alongside measures such as alternating private vehicle access in large cities, can further reduce congestion and fuel consumption.”
IEA executive director Fatih Birol said the proposals provide “immediate and concrete measures that can be taken on the demand side by governments, businesses and households to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis.”
Downing Street has urged the public to carry on “in normal fashion” following calls for people to reduce demand for fuel by working from home.
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “This is the IEA’s general advice for countries across the world. It is not in place in the UK.
“We have a diverse and resilient supply. People in the UK should continue to go about their days in normal fashion.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds did not rule out asking people to change their behaviour, when questioned by Times Radio.
She said: “I think it’s too early. I want to reassure people that we are as a government taking calm-headed leadership on this issue.
“We are working with partners to de-escalate this conflict. We need to see how obviously this plays out.”