Governor Albert Bryan has ordered arms of the government in the Virgin Islands to take immediate steps to conserve fuel as the territory monitors instability in global energy markets linked to the war in Iran.

In a memorandum issued Tuesday to commissioners and agency heads, Bryan called for tighter controls on government fuel use and vehicle operations, describing the move as a proactive step to safeguard public resources and maintain fiscal stability amid the potential for rising fuel costs.

“Leadership requires more than reacting to events after they reach our doorstep,” Bryan said, warning that uncertainty in global energy markets could impact fuel prices, household budgets and the overall cost of living in the territory.

Effective immediately, agencies have been instructed to restrict government vehicle use to authorised official duties, reduce travel where possible, and encourage shared transportation among employees travelling to the same destination.

Departments are also required to review vehicle assignments, monitor fuel consumption and identify areas to cut unnecessary usage.

Emergency response vehicles are exempt from the directive.

Bryan said the measures form part of broader contingency planning as the administration assesses the potential economic impact of global developments.

He added that officials are also preparing for possible targeted budget adjustments, including a potential 10 per cent reduction in allocations across government agencies if further action is required.

The governor emphasised that prudent management of taxpayer funds is a year-round responsibility but noted that current international conditions demand heightened discipline to limit exposure to rising fuel-related costs.

“We cannot control international conflict or the movement of global markets,” Bryan said. “What we can control is how responsibly and how thoughtfully we respond.”

He also urged residents of the Virgin Islands to adopt similar conservation practices in their daily lives, including carpooling, combining errands and reducing unnecessary travel, while ensuring vehicles are properly maintained for fuel efficiency.

Bryan said early action and collective responsibility would help the territory better withstand external economic pressures without compromising essential services.

Commissioners and agency heads have been instructed to ensure compliance across departments and to identify further opportunities to reduce fuel consumption.