A ban on Sunday driving and reducing the motorway speed limit are among suggestions being put forward by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA has set out 10 measures that could help cut global oil demand by 2.7 million barrels per day in just four months. 

It calls for a reduction in speed limits on motorways by 6mph to 64mph.

It also suggests car-free Sundays in big cities.

The demand for oil has been heightened by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. 

Bury Times: Fuel and oil prices are rising rapidly (PA)Fuel and oil prices are rising rapidly (PA)

IEA 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.”

Also in the 10-point plan is a suggestion for working from home three days a week, cheaper public transport and virtual meetings instead of air travel. 

The plans come ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement, in which fuel tax could be cut by 5p a litre to 52.95p as petrol and diesel prices continue to rise. 

Bury Times: Chancellor Rishi Sunak (PA)Chancellor Rishi Sunak (PA)

IEA's 10-point plan to combat rising oil prices

  1. Reduce speed limits on highways by at least 10 km/h (6mph)
  2. Work from home up to three days a week where possible
  3. Car-free Sundays in big cities
  4. Make use of public transport cheaper and incentivise micromobility, walking and cycling
  5. Alternate private car access to roads in large cities
  6. Increase car sharing and adopt practices to reduce fuel use
  7. Promote efficient driving for freight trucks and delivery of goods
  8. Using high-speed and night trains instead of planes where possible
  9. Avoid business air travel where alternative options exist
  10. Reinforce the adoption of electric and more efficient vehicles