Manila, March 16 -- Efforts to cut electricity and fuel use by up to 20 percent across government agencies are gaining ground as authorities push conservation measures amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, in a briefing Monday, said the Department of Energy (DOE) has audited about 196 government offices for compliance with Memorandum Circular 114, issued by Malacanang on March 6, and most were found compliant with the directive.

"Many of our government offices are already following that," she said.

Garin said the DOE itself has shifted to a four-day workweek and adopted energy-saving measures, including energy-efficient lighting, setting air-conditioning thermostats at 24 degrees Celsius, and turning off...