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Bangladesh, Thailand Set Cooling Limits Amid Energy Crisis

3/20/2026

47 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Countries Curb Energy Use

Bangladesh and Thailand set air conditioning limits at 25°C and 26°C to curb energy use amid the energy crisis.
Pakistan and the Philippines adopt a four-day workweek for public servants.
Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency Executive Director, urges promoting public transport, car sharing, and efficient driving while preserving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for essential uses, and calls for further stock releases if needed.

Summary

IEA Addresses Energy Crisis

The International Energy Agency (IEA) outlines measures to address the energy crisis from the Iran war.
Governments, businesses, and households can implement demand-side actions, including remote work and increased public transport use.
The IEA will release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves, the largest action in its history.
Shifting liquefied petroleum gas from transport to essential uses like cooking can help stabilize prices.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1974 following the 1973 oil crisis, the International Energy Agency (IEA) aims to enhance global energy security and efficiency. In March 2026, the IEA released a record 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to address supply disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Countries like Pakistan and Thailand are now adopting measures to conserve energy amid ongoing challenges in the energy market.

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Countries Curb Energy Use

Bangladesh and Thailand set air conditioning limits at 25°C and 26°C to curb energy use amid the energy crisis.
Pakistan and the Philippines adopt a four-day workweek for public servants.
Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency Executive Director, urges promoting public transport, car sharing, and efficient driving while preserving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for essential uses, and calls for further stock releases if needed.

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