Iran’s government has called on everyone, from government employees to ordinary citizens, to economise on the use of fuel, electricity and gas. From September 23 until the end of March next year, staff will be physically present in government offices from 8am to 1pm. Employees will make up their remaining set working hours by working from home.
Government agencies must make arrangements at least one day a week for officials and staff to travel to the office using public transport. Videos have already appeared of several government ministers travelling to the office by metro. The videos are being released as part of the campaign to save fuel.
To reduce the use of cars, it has been decided to provide metro and bus rapid transit (BRT) services free of charge until the middle of November. There are also plans to replace old and worn-out government vehicles with electric, gas-powered or hybrid cars.
Universities are also to be reopened in stages and in part. The authorities may arrange for some classes to be held online. Government-linked offices have been instructed to switch off heating and turn out lights at the end of working hours. Separate arrangements for schools, universities, healthcare institutions and emergency services will be announced later.
Earlier, on September 12, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an instruction asking government agencies to allow suitable staff to work from home. It spoke of reducing the government’s spending on petrol, electricity and natural gas.
Earlier this month Pezeshkian said: “We have begun the work of reducing the use of fuel and other resources through the government itself.” These measures for government employees are seen as consistent with the fuel-saving steps being asked of the general public.