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It proposes 10 measures that can be applied by states, municipalities, and individuals. If the IEA’s recommended measures to reduce oil consumption were fully implemented in the economies of its member states, it would reduce oil demand by 2.7 million barrels per day within four months, equivalent to the oil demand for all of China’s cars.

The aim is to ease the strain and shock of rising prices felt by consumers around the world, mitigate economic damage, and cut into Russia’s fossil fuel revenues.

This would significantly reduce potential tensions at a time when large amounts of Russian supplies may no longer reach the market and the peak demand season in July and August is approaching.

Since most oil demand comes from transportation, the IEA’s 10-point plan focuses on how to use less oil and get people and goods from point A to point B, building on concrete measures already in place in various countries and cities.

Most of the proposals would require changes in consumer behavior, supported by government action. How and whether these actions are implemented depends on each country's approach. Governments have all the tools they need to reduce oil demand in the coming years. The following steps are expressed in thousands of barrels of oil per day (bpd):

1. Limiting the maximum speed on motorways by at least 10 km/h

Sometimes even as little as reducing the speed by 10 km/h on a motorway can save fuel and money, and last but not least, increase road safety.

Impact: Saving approximately 290 kb/d of consumption from passenger cars and another 140 kb/d from trucks

2. Working from home three days a week in all sectors where possible

This step will limit the number of cars on the road, reduce congestion and their negative impacts on fuel consumption and air quality.

Impact: One day of home office per week will save approximately 170 kb/d; three days will save around 500 kb

3. Car-free Sundays in cities

Cities could limit car traffic on Sundays and thus motivate citizens to use other modes of transport, cycling or walking.

Impact: Monthly savings of around 380 kb; one Sunday a month will save 95 kb/d

4. Reducing public transport fares and stimulating micromobility, walking and cycling

Increasing energy and fuel prices are making it increasingly expensive to travel by car. This is the ideal time to motivate more residents to use cheaper transport alternatives, such as public transport, cycling or walking.

Impact: Savings of around 330 kb/d

5. Restricting private cars on roads in large cities

Local governments could consider restricting access to more central parts of cities. Parking lots and other points with excellent connections to public transport could prevent congestion, reduce fuel consumption, which would have a positive effect on the environment.

Impact: Savings of approximately 210 kb/d

6. Promoting car sharing and adopting practices to reduce fuel consumption

Today, it is common for one household to own several cars, often driven by only one person. This mode of transport is very inefficient and environmentally harmful. Car sharing would not only help reduce the demand for fuel, but also improve traffic flow and solve the problem of lack of parking spaces.

Impact: Savings of approximately 470 kb/d

7. Optimizing trips for trucks and delivery of goods

It is necessary to implement solutions to optimize the logistics of trucks and delivery of goods, which has also been affected by the increase in fuel and energy prices. Last but not least, it also means improving the environment.

Impact: Savings of approximately 320 kb/d

8. Promoting the use of high-speed and night trains instead of planes where possible

If one has the opportunity to use another form of transport instead of air to their destination, in view of the effort to reduce demand for oil, it is recommended to use mainly trains.

Impact: Savings of approximately 40 kb/d

9. Limiting business trips (especially air) whenever there are alternative options

In today's global world, it is quite common to go on business trips abroad, especially by plane. However, if the destination is relatively close and there is a suitable alternative transport connection, it is recommended to use an option other than air to save fuel. In addition, digital technologies allow us to be connected without having to meet in person.

Impact: Savings of approximately 260 kb/d

10. Promoting the deployment of electric and other low-emission vehicles

Individual countries could do more to promote low-emission vehicles, which would reduce demand for oil and shift to more environmentally friendly transport options.

Impact: Savings of approximately 100 kb/d

For more information, you can view the full report here: https://www.iea.org/news/emergency-measures-can-quickly-cut-global-oil-demand-by-2-7-million-barrels-a-day-reducing-the-risk-of-a-damaging-supply-crunch