Senegal Limits Ministers’ Travel As West Asia War Hits Finances, Oil Prices Surge

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 19:22 IST

Senegal bans nonessential foreign trips for ministers to cut costs amid oil price surge from Iran war, other Asian nations also curb officials travel to save fuel and budgets

The Senegalese government has banned all but essential foreign trips for government ministers as part of cost-saving measures triggered by the energy crisis linked to the Iran war.

Senegal, like many African countries, imports most of the petroleum products it consumes, leaving its economy vulnerable to supply disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent the price of crude soaring.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said Friday that his office was taking steps to limit public expenditure, pointing out that the country’s initial budget forecasts were based on an oil price of $62 per barrel, which is now almost double as a result of the Iran war.

“I have taken a number of drastic measures to restrict everything related to government spending, including the cancellation of all nonessential missions abroad," the government-owned Le Soleil newspaper quoted Sonko as saying.

Several Countries Ask Officials to Cut Travel As Oil Crisis Deepens

Amid rising global oil prices linked to escalating tensions involving Iran, several countries have begun directing ministers and public officials to reduce travel and conserve fuel as part of broader austerity measures.

In Malaysia, authorities have instructed public officials to limit travel in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and manage government expenditure.

Similarly, Indonesia has introduced work-from-home days for civil servants, aiming to cut down on commuting and energy use across government departments.

In Pakistan, the government has asked public officials to limit travel as part of measures to ease pressure on fuel demand and public finances.

Meanwhile, Thailand has advised officials to avoid overseas travel and instead rely on virtual meetings where possible, reflecting a growing shift toward cost-saving practices.

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