Governments Beg You to Avoid Driving Like You’re the Last Human on Earth
KEY POINTS
- •Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel over the weekend due to war-related disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.
- •The Philippines imposed a four-day workweek and strict energy-saving measures for government offices to handle increased fuel costs.
- •Australia limited diesel purchases at some stations, though the energy minister claimed no actual fuel shortage exists.
Oil prices shot over $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 thanks to the Iran war turning the Strait of Hormuz into a maritime haunted house, disrupting 20% of global daily oil shipments. Thailand quit exporting fuel just to keep its own taps running, while the Philippines slapped government workers with a temporary four-day workweek and turned offices into sweat lodges by setting air conditioners no colder than 75°F—because who needs productivity over survival? Australia’s fuel stations started playing Monopoly with diesel limits, despite Energy Minister Chris Bowen assuring there’s no actual shortage. And in the UK, AA President Edmund King advised drivers to maintain their grandpa Sunday drives but maybe cut some pointless jaunts as Brent Crude’s price taunts wallet nerves, while PM Starmer nobles piled on promises to support families through the pump price rollercoaster. Who knew global crisis management looked like a government-organized passive-aggressive gas station whisper campaign?
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(1 of 3)When a global oil crisis leads governments to mandate thermostat tyranny and four-day workweeks, you realize we’re all just bad at adulting. Meanwhile, Australia limits your diesel like it’s Halloween candy and the UK politely asks you to stop joyriding. Brilliant crisis management.
Nothing screams 'We’re in trouble' like officials begging people not to enjoy their cars and dialing A/C back to 'is this my office or a sauna?'.
The oil crisis has governments acting like overbearing parents: 'Turn off your lights, don’t make unnecessary trips, and no fun until further notice!'
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 3/9/2026 | Author: Roya Shahidi
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