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 the government does not plan to impose strict restrictions for now, but 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 current situation "the worst energy crisis in a very, very long time." If the war drags on, rationing may become a reality, she explained. However, authorities will first 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 ration cards. But now, Jessica Alenius, head of the industry association for oil refiners Divkraft Sveriger, stated that "gasoline shortages are not 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.
