New Zealand Restores Soviet Fuel Coupon System — Like Karosta Canal That Divides Residents

New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed that her government is ready to restore the romance of the 1979 fuel crisis era. Back then, New Zealanders could choose one day a week not to drive their cars. Now that sounds like a dream to any Liepāja resident who has tried to cross the Karosta canal bridge during repairs — at least they would have a legal excuse not to drive.

Under this ancient law, car owners had to choose one day a week without using their vehicles. It's almost the same as in Liepāja, except here we call it 'Saturday,' when everyone drives to Riga to shop. In case of violations, New Zealanders faced hefty fines, which is much stricter than in Liepāja, where for illegal parking you only pay as much as a coffee at 'Fontaine Palace' costs.

The government could also restore the coupon system for buying fuel. 'It would be like going back to Soviet times,' laughs local Liepāja taxi driver Jānis, 'except back then we at least didn't have to worry about whether we had enough money for fuel — there simply wasn't any.' He adds that the Karosta canal bridge already causes him more problems than any fuel crisis, because 'when it's open, tourists get stuck, when it's closed — can't reach customers.'

Willis indicated that restrictions would only be necessary 'if we saw real disruptions in our ability to purchase fuel.' In Liepāja, such a situation is called a 'weekday,' when the only gas station in Grobiņa is closed for maintenance.