Asian nations are implementing aggressive fuel conservation measures - mandatory work-from-home orders, four-day work weeks, closed schools - while New Zealand continues debating whether to do anything at all.
The contrast is striking. According to Fortune, Thailand, Pakistan, Vietnam, Philippines, and Bangladesh have all rolled out emergency measures to slash fuel consumption as the Persian Gulf crisis chokes supply.
Meanwhile in Wellington, ministers are still "considering options" and telling Kiwis not to panic.
Mate, when your Asian neighbors are closing schools to save diesel, maybe it's time to stop considering and start acting.
Thailand has implemented mandatory work-from-home for non-essential government workers and encouraged private companies to follow suit. Pakistan has introduced rolling fuel rationing in major cities. Vietnam is piloting four-day work weeks to reduce commuter traffic. Philippines has imposed price caps to prevent gouging.
These aren't token gestures. They're substantial policy interventions designed to reduce demand by double-digit percentages in weeks, not months.
New Zealand, by contrast, is debating whether to bring back 1970s-style - a policy that was widely mocked when it was tried before. Transport Minister has expressed concern about economic disruption, while Deputy Prime Minister has suggested the crisis will resolve itself soon.




