The International Energy Agency set out on March 20, 2026 a range of demand-side actions that governments, businesses and households can take to alleviate the economic impacts on consumers of the disruptions to oil markets stemming from the Gulf war.
The conflict has triggered the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around 20% of global oil consumption, reduced to a trickle.
Around 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products typically transit the Strait. The loss of these flows has tightened markets significantly, pushing crude oil prices above $100 per barrel and driving even sharper increases in refined products.
Restoring transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains essential to stabilize global energy markets. In the meantime, countries are acting on both supply and demand. On March 11, 2026, IEA Member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves – the largest stock draw in the Agency’s history. However, supply-side measures alone cannot fully offset the scale of the disruption. Addressing demand is a critical and immediate tool to reduce pressure consumers by improving affordability.
Advice from the IEA
A new IEA report identifies ten measures that can be implemented quickly by governments, businesses and households.
These actions focus primarily on road transport, which accounts for around 45% of global oil demand, but also cover aviation, cooking and industry. Widespread adoption, where possible, would amplify their global impact and help cushion the shock.
“The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis. In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
“As the global energy authority, we have recently launched the largest ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks – and I am in close contact with key governments around the world, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy. In addition to this, the report provides a menu of immediate and concrete measures that can be taken on the demand side by governments, businesses and households to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis. It draws on the IEA’s decades of expertise in this field and highlights measures that have been proven to work in practice in different contexts.”
In road transport, a combination of behavioral and policy measures can deliver rapid savings. Many of these measures, implemented in the past, are again being considered in several countries.
Working from home where possible reduces fuel demand for commuting, while lowering highway speed limits by at least 10 km per hour cuts fuel use across vehicles. Encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport, alongside measures such as alternating private vehicle access in large cities, can further reduce congestion and fuel consumption. Additional gains can be achieved through car sharing.
Flying less ?
Beyond road transport, targeted actions can ease pressure on fuels. A reduction in air travel where alternatives exist can significantly lower demand for jet fuel. Measures to shift LPG use away from transport and towards essential applications, such as cooking, can help protect vulnerable households.
Industry also has an important role to play. In countries where LPG supplies are under pressure, facilities may be able to switch from LPG to alternative feedstocks. This can free up LPG supply for urgent uses.
Governments can lead by example through public sector measures, regulatory action and targeted incentives while ensuring that support for consumers is timed appropriately and focused on those most in need.
While the demand-side measures highlighted in the report cannot match the scale of disrupted supply, they can play a meaningful role in lowering costs for consumers, reducing markets strains and preserving fuels for essential uses until normal flows resume.
Immediate actions to reduce demand can be implemented in the travel sector :
1. Work from home where possible
Displaces oil use from commuting, particularly where jobs are suitable for remote work.
2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h
Lower speeds reduce fuel use for passenger cars, vans and trucks.
3. Encourage public transport
A shift from private cars to buses and trains can quickly reduce oil demand.
4. Alternate private car access to roads in large cities on different days
Number-plate rotation schemes can reduce congestion and fuel-intensive driving.
5. Increase car sharing and adopt efficient driving practices
Higher car occupancy and eco-driving can lower fuel consumption quickly.
6. Avoid air travel where alternative options exist
Reducing business flights can quickly ease pressure on jet fuel markets.
