The International Energy Agency (IEA) is calling on countries to adopt a ten-point plan to cut demand for oil.
It says the world is facing a potential emergency because of the war in Ukraine and possible sanctions against Russia which is a major oil producer.
There is limited capacity to increase oil production in other countries and the IEA says reducing demand could help balance the market and bring down prices.
The first point it proposes is that governments reduce speed limits by at least 10kms per hour saying this could have a significant impact on consumption.
It is also calling for people to be allowed to work from home for up to three days a week, for car-free Sundays in cities and the promotion of active travel such as walking and cycling.
Other proposals include alternate private car access in big cities - where only cars with odd or even numbered registration plates are allowed on certain days and the promotion of car sharing.
The agency also suggests promoting more efficient driving for freight trucks and delivery vehicles by reducing empty travelling and training in eco-driving techniques.
It is calling for people to use high-speed trains or night trains instead of airplanes and for the avoidance of unnecessary business travel.
The final proposal in the ten-point plan is for governments to take measures to reinforce the adoption of electric and other more efficient vehicles.
Professor Andrew Keane, Director of the Energy Institute at University College Dublin, said some of the recommendations are more relevant for Ireland than others, such as a reduction in speed limits, cheaper public transport, and promoting cycling and e-scooters.
"All the actions really are related to transport, which really highlights how transport is still very much tied to oil," Prof Keane told RTÉ's News at One.
"Public transport measures are welcome recommendations - but availability and quality of public transport will be a key question.
"We've been slow in this country to see legislation for e-scooters put in place, but they can have a significant role to play, at least in a city environment."
Prof Keane said some of the measures are for central government to legislate on, but there is also a role for local government.
"There's also a role for raising public awareness and that individual citizens can realise that they can take some steps -albeit limited in some cases - to reduce their own oil consumption and indeed their energy costs," he said.
