IEA pushes WFH, less travel, clean cooking to counter oil shock
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: The International Energy Agency has outlined immediate, demand-side actions for governments, businesses and households, including work-from-home, reduced air travel and modern cooking, to cushion the impact of a historic oil supply shock.
The IEA proposed 10 measures, including remote work (cutting commuting fuel by 2–6%), lowering highway speeds by at least 10 kmph (saving up to 10%), reducing business air travel, and promoting public transport, car-sharing and efficient driving. Alternating private vehicle access in cities can further ease congestion.
It also stressed shifting to electric and modern cooking to reduce LPG dependence, while prioritising LPG for essential uses and avoiding a return to polluting fuels. Industry can switch from LPG to alternatives like naphtha and improve efficiency. Governments should lead via regulation, public-sector action and targeted support, avoiding broad subsidies.
