Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays a holiday for public institutions and schools to conserve fuel amidst potential shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

• Nearly 90% of oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz was bound for Asia last year.
• Other Asian countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam are implementing various austerity measures.
• Sri Lanka is also requiring motorists to register for a National Fuel Pass, rationing fuel to 15 litres for private cars and 5 litres for motorcycles.

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) key oil port, Fujairah, and Dubai International Airport were targeted by further drone attacks on Monday, March 16, as Iran continues to strike Gulf transport and oil infrastructure.

• UAE air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles and 21 drones on Monday.
• These strikes represent the third incident near Dubai's airport since the conflict began.
• Iran aims to disrupt global energy flow, with Fujairah being strategically important to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Kenya is at risk of a fertilizer shortage due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

• 26 percent of Kenya's fertilizer imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) issued the warning.
• Shipping activity has plummeted, with security concerns drastically reducing vessel movements.