Colombo, March 24 (NationPress) - The Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services in Sri Lanka has released a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at government entities to promote the responsible use of fuel and energy in light of potential disruptions in fuel imports resulting from rising tensions in West Asia.

These guidelines, directed towards ministry secretaries, provincial and district secretaries, and heads of government and statutory bodies, emphasize the need to implement strategies that minimize fuel and electricity usage within the public sector, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Officials are urged to limit the use of personal vehicles for commuting, opting instead for public or shared transportation whenever feasible, according to the office's recommendations.

Government bodies have also been instructed to devise daily transportation plans aimed at decreasing the number of vehicles utilized for field assignments.

The guidelines detail various measures for conserving electricity and energy, such as enhancing the use of natural lighting, reducing air conditioning reliance in favor of electric fans, and encouraging stair usage over elevators.

Local government authorities have been advised to turn off street lights during non-essential hours and temporarily disable lighting in low-security areas as a precautionary measure, as stated by the office.

Furthermore, heads of institutions are encouraged to permit remote work for staff where technological resources are available, thus reducing the need for physical presence.

The office has called upon all public officials to act with responsibility, exemplifying positive behavior for the public, and to provide robust support for national energy conservation and security initiatives.

Earlier on Saturday, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation of Sri Lanka announced a revision in fuel prices.

All fuel types, including auto diesel, petrol, and kerosene, experienced price increases ranging from 60 rupees (approximately 0.19 US dollars) to 90 rupees per liter, effective from midnight Saturday. Lanka IOC, another significant petroleum company in Sri Lanka, has declared its intent to adjust its prices to align with the new rates established by the corporation.

This marks the third increase in fuel prices within Sri Lanka in under a month. Previously, fuel prices were altered on February 28 and March 9. For instance, the price of auto diesel has surged to 382 rupees per liter, a significant rise from the previous price of 281 rupees per liter.