Under the new guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services, officials are encouraged to use public transport, carpool, and limit travel for meetings, turning instead to digital platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp. Authorities estimate that if 92,000 government vehicles save just one litre of fuel per day, nearly 110 million litres could be saved annually.
Energy-saving measures for government offices include maintaining air conditioner temperatures at 26 degrees Celsius or above, switching off ACs for one to two hours daily, and prioritizing fans and natural ventilation. Lights on advertising boards are also required to be turned off after 9.00 p.m.
Corporate offices are urged to expand online services to reduce the need for physical staff attendance, and all institutions must submit monthly reports tracking fuel and electricity savings.
Officials stress that these steps not only prepare the country for potential fuel shortages but also promote sustainable energy use, offering long-term benefits for the economy and the environment.
The statement was issued by B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Commissioner General of Essential Services.
