Gasoline prices at a Uno-X gas station in Copenhagen, Denmark, on March 9, 2026.
Nurfoto | Nurfoto | fake images
Denmark’s energy minister urged citizens of the Scandinavian country to reduce energy use and ditch cars as the price of oil continues to soar amid the Middle East conflict.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister of Climate, Energy and Public Services, said Wednesday that the ongoing war between the United States and Iran has led the country to rely on its oil reserves in light of “soaring oil prices” with no end to the conflict in sight.
“What the Danes should do, please, please, is that if there is any energy consumption that can be done without, if it is not strictly necessary to drive the car, then don’t do it,” he said in an interview with local radio station DR, translated by Google.
If Denmark saves energy in the near future, there will be two positive effects that can be felt by both citizens and the government, he said.
“Firstly, it can be felt in the private wallet and secondly, it can help stretch our reserves so that they last longer,” Aagaard said.
Oil Concerns Remain Elevated
Similar warnings have been issued in countries around the world. In the UK, motoring groups such as the AA have called on drivers to reduce “non-essential travel” and change their driving style to save fuel.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade encouraged companies to adopt remote work arrangements and reduce travel and transportation demand to ensure national energy security.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government implemented a temporary four-day work week in certain executive branches to conserve energy and reduce fuel use.
Concerns about oil prices have remained elevated this week, as oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were halted due to the threat of Iranian attacks on ships. If the pass remains closed, there could be a possible rise in inflation, which threatens to raise the cost of living, from gasoline to food.
Oil prices rose more than 8% to over $100 a barrel on Thursday. West Texas Intermediate was last up 4.6% at $91 a barrel, while global benchmark Brent was trading almost 5% higher at $96.
To calm these fears, the International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil to address supply disruption caused by the Iran war.
The IEA, which represents 32 member countries from Europe, North America and Northeast Asia, said the reserves would be released over a specific time period, depending on the needs of its member countries.
Meanwhile, the United States announced it would release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve with shipments expected to begin next week and take approximately 120 days to complete.
