Egypt has ordered all shops, restaurants, and shopping centers to close by 9 p.m. each night for one month starting Saturday. The government said the measure aims to conserve energy as fuel prices have surged due to the ongoing war in Iran. Street lighting and advertising illumination will also be reduced, and employees will be allowed to work from home one day a week during April to save energy.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that Egypt’s petrol expenses more than doubled between January and March, reaching 2.5 billion dollars. Although Egypt is not directly involved in the conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, leaving the import-dependent country vulnerable to shortages.

Hotels and tourist resorts are exempt from the restrictions, as tourism accounts for about one-tenth of Egypt’s economy. Essential services such as hospitals, schools, and factories will also remain unaffected by the work-from-home directive.