Laos: In a bid to mitigate the economic strain caused by escalating fuel prices, the Laotian government has mandated a reduction in university class schedules from five days to three days a week. This measure, announced in a government notification on March 20, 2026, seeks to address the challenges posed by rising fuel costs and supply disruptions.
According to Lao News Agency, the directive follows guidance from the prime minister’s office aimed at significantly reducing fuel consumption. While higher education institutions are affected, pre-school, primary, and secondary schools will continue their operations as usual. The Ministry of Education and Sports has recommended that universities adopt blended learning models, integrating online instruction with traditional classroom teaching to adapt to the new schedule.
The government has also encouraged students, teachers, and parents to minimize fuel consumption by utilizing public transport, electric vehicles, or bicycles. These changes are slated to take effect in April and will be applicable to all public and private institutions across the nation.
In a public statement, the Ministry of Education and Sports emphasized the need for societal cooperation to navigate the ongoing challenges, as fuel shortages and price volatility persistently impact daily life in Laos. The ministry assured that it would closely monitor the situation and make necessary policy adjustments to ensure the smooth implementation of this initiative.