IEA: 10 measures to reduce energy consumption in crisis

Ten IEA Measures to Reduce Energy Consumption Amid the Global Crisis

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended a package of measures to cut consumption in response to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Persian Gulf and soaring energy prices. The proposals cover transportation, household habits, and work practices, targeting governments, businesses, and citizens.

Global Threat to Energy Security

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol described the current situation as "the biggest global threat to energy security in history." Sky-high prices are driving behavioral changes: Asian countries are already restricting air conditioner cooling (Bangladesh—no lower than 25°C, Thailand—26°C), shortening school schedules, and curbing official air travel. Pakistan and the Philippines have shifted government employees to a four-day workweek.

The IEA, which unites 32 countries (USA, UK, EU, Japan, and others), serves as a global analyst on energy security and the transition to clean energy. Previously, member countries released 400 million barrels of oil (20% of emergency reserves); Birol hasn't ruled out further releases to soften the economic blow.

Specific Recommendations on Transportation and Travel

The IEA emphasizes measures to optimize mobility:

• Promote public transport through subsidies and infrastructure;
• Allow private cars into city centers on alternate days (odd-even scheme);
• Encourage carpooling and economical driving (smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds);
• Skip air travel, especially business trips, in favor of video conferences and trains;
• Switch vehicle fuel from biofuels to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to preserve LPG for cooking.

These steps complement global efforts to streamline spending.

Household and Work Habits

For households and offices, they propose:

• Switch to electric appliances for cooking instead of gas;
• Work from home to cut commutes;
• Reduce road speeds to save fuel;
• Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models;
• Use heating and cooling mindfully.

Birol highlights the political challenges of these measures but notes their effectiveness in Asia.

Historical Context and Outlook

This crisis dwarfs the 1970s in scale. Back then, price surges led to:

• Mass construction of nuclear power plants;
• Doubling car fuel efficiency (halving oil consumption per 100 km).

Today, expect growth in renewables, battery development, and investments in nuclear power. Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, damage to Persian Gulf infrastructure will curb oil and gas exports, worsening market shortages.

Key Takeaways

• The IEA recommends 10 measures on transport, households, and work for immediate consumption cuts;
• Member countries have released 20% of reserves; more releases possible;
• Asian experience: air conditioner restrictions, four-day weeks for civil servants;
• Long-term effects: faster rollout of renewables, batteries, and nuclear plants;
• The crisis outstrips the 1970s, demanding global energy shifts.

— Editorial Team