The Philippines government is urging the country to limit their air conditioner use and restrict non-essential travel while it mulls a four-day working week, as tensions in the Middle East push global fuel costs higher, Bloomberg reports.
The country imports nearly all of its oil, and the war in Iran could spur inflation that already hit a 13 month high in February.
Its department of energy said while it does not import crude oil directly from Iran, its dependence on the region leaves makes it vulnerable when shipping lanes are disrupted.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration this week ordered government offices to set their air-cons to no lower than 24 degrees C (75 degrees fahrenheit) and adopt flexible work arrangements to help conserve fuel.
Marcos, who plans to seek emergency authority from Congress to slash taxes on petroleum products, is also entertaining the idea of a four-day work week.
Some government agencies have said they will provide fuel subsidies to fisherfolk, farmers and public transport drivers.