Iran shifts government work online as fuel shortages deepen
Government offices will shorten on-site hours, promote public transport and introduce limited free metro and BRT travel amid reported fuel and economic pressures.
Iran will introduce a six-month package of energy-saving measures from 23 September, including shorter on-site hours for government employees and remote work where duties allow.
Government offices are to operate on site from 8am to 1pm, with remaining contractual hours completed remotely. Agencies must also nominate one day each week for employees and managers to travel by public transport.
The measures, reported by Al Jazeera, include free metro and bus rapid transit services until mid-November. Government-linked offices have also been directed to switch off heating and lights after hours, while ageing government vehicles are to be replaced over time with electric, gas-powered or hybrid models.
Universities are expected to reopen gradually, with some teaching moved online. Separate arrangements for schools, healthcare facilities and operational services have not yet been announced.
The measures come amid reported fuel shortages, inflation, economic contraction and damage to energy infrastructure. Iranian data cited by Al Jazeera showed real GDP fell 10.1 per cent year on year between late March and late June 2026, while petrol consumption was reported to have exceeded production by about 10 million litres a day. The government has not said how many workers will be covered by the remote-work directive or how its effect on efficiency will be assessed.
