Strict fuel, energy saving rules imposed for government offices amid crisis

Bay Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, March 24 9Daily Mirror) - The government has introduced strict guidelines on the use of fuel and electricity in government institutions with immediate effect, warning of possible fuel supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement, Commissioner General of Essential Services B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the new measures require government officials to limit the use of vehicles and reduce energy consumption in all state institutions. Officials have been advised to use public transport or carpool when reporting for duty instead of travelling in separate vehicles.

Institutions have also been instructed to minimize calling officers from distant areas for meetings and to conduct discussions through online platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp whenever possible.

According to the guidelines, if nearly 92,000 government-owned vehicles save at least one litre of fuel per day, about 110 million litres of fuel could be saved annually.

Under electricity conservation measures, offices must maintain air-conditioner temperatures at 26 degrees Celsius or above, and air conditioners should be switched off for one to two hours daily while giving priority to fans and natural ventilation.

The circular further states that lights on advertising boards must be switched off after 9.00 p.m., and institutions should expand online services to reduce the need for employees to be physically present at workplaces.

All government institutions have also been directed to submit special monitoring reports showing the amount of fuel and electricity saved compared to the previous month.