Reduced speed limits, home working and car-free Sundays could help to prevent a global oil crunch caused by the war in Ukraine, a report says.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined 10 measures that it believes could cut oil demand by 2.7 million barrels a day within four months.
It’s hoped this would ease budget pressures facing drivers being squeezed by record rises in petrol and diesel costs.
The IEA’s 10-point plan to reduce fuel consumption includes reducing speed limits on motorways by 6mph and introducing car-free Sundays in big cities.
The Paris-based international energy forum, which represents 29 nations, said its proposals are “practical actions” that both governments and consumers can take straight away.
The measures could also shrink Russia's energy revenues and help move oil demand to a "more sustainable pathway", the IEA said.
The report comes ahead of peak oil demand season in July and August, when vehicle use in the US typically increases.
In Britain, it’s estimated that reducing the speed limit on motorways from 70mph to 64mph could save around 290,000 barrels of oil a day from cars and 140,000 from trucks.
Hybrid working could save 170,000 barrels for each day stayed at home, while the introduction of weekly car-free Sundays in major cities would spare around 380,000 barrels.
World Car Free Day does already exist but is limited to one day in September. London took part in 2019, when more than 16 miles of the capital’s routes were closed to traffic.
- How to save fuel – the ultimate guide
- What affects the price of fuel?
- Petrol and diesel prices across the UK – latest fuel price data from the RAC
The IEA’s executive director Fatih Birol said: “As a result of Russia’s appalling aggression against Ukraine, the world may well be facing its biggest oil supply shock in decades, with huge implications for our economies and societies.
“IEA member countries have already stepped in to support the global economy with an initial release of millions of barrels of emergency oil stocks, but we can also take action on demand to avoid the risk of a crippling oil crunch.
“Our 10-point plan shows this can be done through measures that have already been tested and proven in multiple countries.”
The IEA’s 10-point plan to cut oil use in full:
- Cut speed limits by at least 10kph (6mph)
- Work from home up to three days a week where possible
- Car-free Sundays in cities
- Cut the cost of public transport and encourage alternatives such as walking, cycling and micro-mobility (eg electric scooters)
- Alternate private car access to roads in large cities, for example giving access to those with even plate numbers on some days and odd numbers on others
- Increase car sharing, check tyre pressures and turn down air conditioning
- Promote efficient driving for freight lorries and delivery vehicles
- Use high-speed and night trains instead of planes where possible
- Avoid business air travel where alternative options exist
- Reinforce the switch to electric and more efficient vehicles
Are these great ideas or would there be backlash? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Instant cover available
- 24/7 rescue at the roadside
- Help to get home if your vehicle can't be fixed
- 5 star Defaqto rated cover
*Price is based on European comprehensive breakdown cover for a 14 day trip, in a vehicle up to 1 year old, travelling in zone 1.
You might also like

How to save fuel – the ultimate guide
8 industry-expert tips for how to save fuel: looking at cruise control, the speed you drive, what gear you drive in and how much fuel you carry

What affects the price of UK fuel?
Petrol and diesel prices are soaring across UK. This page explains why we pay what we do for fuel. For more visit RAC Fuel Watch.

Does fuel go off? Old fuel and fuel storage questions answered
How should you store your fuel? How long does fuel last? Is using old fuel safe? Read our guide to petrol / diesel storage before you stock up.

2030 ban – is it worth buying an electric car now?
A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been brought forward. The decision has made questions about buying an EV more urgent than ever before.

11 simple car jobs and fixes you're putting off which could land you with a big fine
Here, we look at some of the problems that might arise when you haven’t given your car the attention it deserves. Learn more with the RAC.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10