Laos cuts university classes to three days a week amid fuel price pressures
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KPL - Asean 2024
Universities in Laos have been ordered to reduce in-person classes to three days a week as the government seeks to curb fuel consumption during an ongoing price crisis.
The measure, announced in a government notification issued on 20 March 2026, requires higher education institutions to compress their teaching schedules from five days into three full-day sessions. Schools at pre-school, primary and secondary levels will continue operating as normal.
The directive follows guidance from the prime minister’s office aimed at reducing fuel use as the country faces economic strain linked to rising fuel prices and supply disruptions.
The Ministry of Education and Sports said institutions should adopt blended learning where possible, combining classroom teaching with online instruction. Students, teachers and parents have also been encouraged to use public transport, electric vehicles or bicycles to reduce fuel demand.
The changes are due to take effect in April and will apply to both public and private institutions nationwide.
In a statement, the ministry called for cooperation across society to address the challenges, as fuel shortages and price volatility continue to affect daily life in Laos. Officials said the situation would be monitored and policies adjusted if needed.