Energy Crisis, EU Citizens Asked to WFH, Reduce Vehicle Speed

JAKARTA - The European Union (EU) urged residents in the region to work from home (WFH) and lower the maximum speed limit on toll roads amid an energy crisis due to escalation in the Middle East.

"Even if peace is achieved tomorrow, conditions will not immediately return to normal," said EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, quoted by ANTARA from Anadlu, Wednesday, April 1.

"The more that can be done to save oil, especially diesel and jet fuel, the better," he said.

Jorgensen also asked EU countries to follow the recommendations of the International Energy Agency, including working from home and reducing the speed on the 10-kilometer toll road by one kilometer per hour from the maximum limit.

He also encouraged the use of public transportation, carpooling, and efficient driving practices.

The US-Israeli war with Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted energy supplies, triggering global shortages and price pressures.

On March 2, Iran announced restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to attack ships that passed without permission.

Around 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait every day, and the disruption has pushed up oil prices as well as shipping and insurance costs.