International Energy Agency recommends working from home, driving 10km/h slower, public transport to offset oil shock from Middle East conflict

The world’s energy sector watchdog has suggested Australians consider working from home, avoiding travel and travel 10km/h slower in a bid to offset a severe oil shortage in the wake of the Middle East conflict. The suggestions are part of a number of demand-side actions sent out by the International Energy Agency (IEA) – a Paris-based intergovernmental organisation which provides policy recommendations on the global energy sector – on Friday, recommending governments, businesses and households follow the list to alleviate economic impacts from the oil market disruptions. In a statement, the IEA said the Middle East conflict had triggered “the largest supply disruption” in the history of the global oil market. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – where 20 per cent of the global oil supply passes through – has been reduced to a trickle since the dual Israel-US strikes on Iran. The IEA said about 20 million barrels of crude oil and oil products typically pass through the Strait. “The loss of these flows has tightened markets significantly, pushing crude oil prices above $100 per barrel and driving even sharper increases in refined products such as diesel, jet fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),” the IEA’s statement continues. Last Wednesday, IEA member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, marking the “largest stock draw” in the IEA’s history. In Australia, issues with the oil and fuel shortage have manifested over the past few weeks in the form of massive price increases at the bowser. Dozens of servos have also reported running out of petrol. Despite the shortfall, federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has assured Australians every shipment of fuel headed to the country has arrived as planned. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also called an emergency national cabinet meeting while urging everyone not to panic buy fuel. The IEA’s 10-point suggestions include working from home where possible – to “displace oil use from commuting” – along with using public transport, increasing car sharing and “efficient driving practices”, and avoiding air travel. Others include reducing highway speed limits by “at least” 10km/h, to “reduce fuel use for passenger cars, vans and trucks”, and making a switch to electric instead of LPG. IEA executive director Faith Birol said: “The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe.” The IEA’s immediate actions to reduce demand: 1. Work from home where possible Displaces oil use from commuting, particularly where jobs are suitable for remote work. 2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h Lower speeds reduce fuel use for passenger cars, vans and trucks. 3. Encourage public transport A shift from private cars to buses and trains can quickly reduce oil demand. 4. Alternate private car access to roads in large cities on different days Number-plate rotation schemes can reduce congestion and fuel-intensive driving. 5. Increase car sharing and adopt efficient driving practices Higher car occupancy and eco-driving can lower fuel consumption quickly. 6. Efficient driving for road commercial vehicles and delivery of goods Better driving practices, vehicle maintenance and load optimisation can cut diesel use. 7. Divert LPG use from transport Shifting bi-fuel and converted vehicles from LPG to gasoline can preserve LPG for cooking and other essential needs. 8. Avoid air travel where alternative options exist Reducing business flights can quickly ease pressure on jet fuel markets. 9. Where possible, switch to other modern cooking solutions Encouraging electric cooking and other modern options can reduce reliance on LPG. 10. Leverage flexibility with petrochemical feedstocks and implement short-term efficiency and maintenance measures Industry can help free up LPG for essential uses while reducing oil consumption through quick operational improvements.