Southeast Asian Nations Reeling From Energy Shock; Four-Day Weeks, New Fuel Subsidies, Oil Export Bans

In Thailand, news anchors ditched their jackets on air as the government called on the public to reduce their use of air conditioning to save energy. In the Philippines, many government workers are now operating on a four-day week. In Vietnam, officials have urged employers to allow staff to work from home. Across south-east Asia, governments are scrambling to find ways to conserve energy and shield the public from soaring costs as war in the Middle East causes what the International Energy Agency has described as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.

Asia, which relies heavily on imported energy, much of which passes through the strait of Hormuz, is acutely affected by the crisis. In the Philippines, which depends on the Gulf for 90% of its oil requirements, the government is introducing cash handouts for drivers of public transport vehicles, and has told government agencies to cut electricity and fuel use by between 10 and 20%.

EDIT

Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam – large net importers of oil and gas that depend on Middle East supplies – are major economies especially vulnerable to price rises, according recent analysis by Eurasia Group. Many countries in the region have introduced temporary subsidies and price caps, though Eurasia Group warned in its analysis that budget pressure make subsidies “difficult to maintain beyond one to two months”.

Diesel subsidies are costing the Thai government more than 1bn baht (£22m) a day. Petrol stations across Thailand have experienced panic buying, as consumers fear further price increases. Some shops have put up “out of stock” signs, introduced rationing or banned customers from filling up containers to conserve stock.

EDIT

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/south-east-asia-nations-conserve-energy-oil-soaring-costs