Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson did not rule out the possibility of introducing state fuel rationing if the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global energy supply chains, drags on, Bloomberg reports.
State Rationing
As stated by the politician, the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have already had a "significant impact" on the Swedish economy.
Kristersson promised that while the government does not plan to impose strict restrictions, it is prepared for such a development and will inform citizens in advance. "State rationing cannot be ruled out, but we have not reached that point yet," the agency quotes the Prime Minister.
"The Worst Energy Crisis"
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson called the situation "the worst energy crisis in a very, very long time." If the war drags on, rationing may become a reality, she explained. But first, the authorities will issue recommendations to save fuel and use public transport more.
During the oil crisis of 1974, Sweden became the first country in Western Europe to introduce gasoline cards. However, the head of the industry association for oil refiners Divkraft Sveriger, Jessica Alenius, stated that "a gasoline shortage is not looming on the horizon in the short or medium term."
The expert noted that the oil used in Sweden largely comes from fields in the North Sea, and there are sufficient refineries in Northern Europe.
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