The conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has begun to trigger direct impacts on global energy supplies. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, has pushed energy prices higher and disrupted fuel distribution, particularly for Asian countries that rely heavily on imported oil.
In response, several governments across Asia, including those in Southeast Asia, have begun implementing energy-saving measures. These policies range from remote work arrangements to reduced working days, aimed at lowering fuel consumption and maintaining economic stability.
Responses from Southeast Asian Countries
Several Southeast Asian governments have taken swift steps to reduce energy consumption, particularly by limiting mobility and electricity use in the public sector.
Thailand
The government of Thailand has instructed civil servants to conserve energy through a series of new measures. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed government employees to work from home when possible and to suspend overseas official travel.
Government offices have also been asked to reduce electricity use by setting air-conditioning temperatures between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius. Employees are encouraged to use stairs instead of elevators and to wear short-sleeved clothing to reduce the need for cooling.
Thailand currently has about 95 days of energy reserves. The government is also seeking additional liquefied natural gas supplies from the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
If the situation worsens, authorities may introduce further restrictions, such as dimming commercial billboards and requiring gas stations to close at 10 p.m.
Viet Nam
The government of Viet Nam is encouraging companies to implement work-from-home arrangements to reduce travel and fuel consumption.
“Businesses need to encourage work-from-home when possible to reduce the need for travel and transportation,” the government said in a statement.
Viet Nam is among the countries most affected because it relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East. Since late last month, gasoline prices in the country have risen by 32 percent, diesel by 56 percent, and kerosene by 80 percent.
To maintain supply, the government has removed fuel import tariffs until the end of April. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has also contacted leaders in Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to secure crude oil supplies.
In the capital, Hanoi, long lines of vehicles have appeared at several fuel stations. Although no major shortages have been reported, some smaller gas stations have temporarily closed due to dwindling stocks.
Philippines
The Philippines has introduced a four-day workweek for government offices to reduce mobility and fuel consumption.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a surge in domestic energy prices. The government estimates that gasoline prices could rise by 7.48 pesos per liter, diesel by 17.28 pesos, and kerosene by 32.35 pesos.
“We are victims of a war that is not of our choosing,” Marcos said in a statement. “But we control how we will protect the Filipino.”
The government has also ordered state agencies to cut electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent, while suspending non-essential travel and activities.
Malaysia
Unlike some of its neighbors, Malaysia has not introduced new energy restrictions. However, the government says it is closely monitoring global energy market developments.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government could maintain the maximum price of RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per liter for about two months if geopolitical tensions continue to escalate. The policy aims to stabilize fuel prices while limiting inflationary pressure.
Responses from Other Asian Countries
Several Asian countries outside Southeast Asia have also taken measures to reduce energy consumption.
In Pakistan, the government has required half of all public-sector employees to work from home. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also urged the private sector to adopt similar measures, while universities and higher education institutions have been asked to shift classes to online learning.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has decided to close all universities earlier by advancing the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The government noted that campuses consume large amounts of electricity for dormitories, laboratories, and air conditioning, so temporary closures could help reduce pressure on the national energy system.
Bangladesh, which imports about 95 percent of its energy needs, has also begun limiting daily fuel sales after panic buying and stockpiling by the public. A shortage of gas has even forced the government to shut down four of its five state-owned fertilizer plants, allowing supplies to be redirected to power generation.
These measures illustrate how the conflict in the Middle East is affecting not only regional geopolitics but also forcing many Asian countries to adjust their domestic policies to safeguard energy security.
