Iran war roils India's neighbourhood, emergency manoeuvres carried out to cushion energy blow

NEW DELHI: Markets and shopping malls in Pakistan will close at 8 p.m. from Tuesday and weddings will need to wrap up by 10 p.m. as the country looks to curb fuel use amid the energy crisis triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Here is a look at some of the measures rolled out ‌by countries ⁠in South ⁠Asia, home to some struggling economies and a fifth of the world's population.

INDIA

• The government slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel.
• Windfall taxes imposed on aviation fuel and diesel exports.
• Emergency measures invoked to divert gas supplies from non-priority sectors to key users.
• Oil refiners directed to increase production of liquefied petroleum gas.

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PAKISTAN

• Markets and shopping malls across the country to close at 8 p.m., except in Sindh province.
• ⁠Wedding events ‌at commercial venues or at private properties and homes prohibited after 10 p.m.
• Intra-city public transport to remain free for one ⁠month in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad cities.
• Government departments' fuel allowances cut by 50% for two months.
• Work week shortened to four days for government offices.
• All offices to operate with 50% staff physically present.
• Pakistan Super League, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league, moved initial matches behind closed doors.

BANGLADESH

• Offices and banks to operate for seven hours, shopping malls to close by 7 p.m.
• Offices to cut power consumption, including by avoiding excessive lighting.
• Ban on decorative lighting at events.
• Reduction in fuel and energy use in public offices, restrictions on non-essential travel.

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NEPAL

• Fuel quota granted to senior administrative officials ⁠cut by 50%.
• One-day weekly holiday in schools and government offices extended to two days.
• Government to make "legal arrangements" to convert petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles.
• Price of aviation fuel more than doubled to avoid supply disruption.
• Petrol and diesel prices raised.
• Cooking gas rationing in force.

SRI LANKA

• Wednesday declared a public holiday to help fuel supplies go further.
• Train and bus services reduced.
• Power tariffs raised for households and industries.

MALDIVES

• Seeking fuel supply from India.
• Fuel prices raised to maintain supply.