ASEAN nations adopt energy-saving measures as Iran war disrupts fuel supplies and drives price surge

Regional governments across Southeast Asia have begun implementing energy-saving measures as fuel supply disruptions linked to the Iran war push prices higher and threaten economic stability.

Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines have introduced policies aimed at reducing fuel consumption, while Malaysia said it could temporarily maintain fuel price controls despite global volatility.

Officials warned that further escalation in the Middle East could tighten supplies and force stricter measures across the region.

Thailand orders civil servants to work from home

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered civil servants to conserve energy starting 10 March 2026, according to a government spokesperson.

The measures include working from home, suspending overseas trips and encouraging officials to use stairs instead of elevators.

Officials who must continue serving the public in person will be exempted from the remote work directive.

The government also instructed agencies to reduce electricity consumption at office buildings.

Lights and electrical equipment must be switched off when not in use, while air conditioning should be set between 26 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Civil servants are also encouraged to wear short-sleeved shirts rather than formal attire such as suits and ties to reduce cooling demand.

Government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana said authorities were urgently trying to reduce energy demand while securing additional fuel supplies.

Energy supply concerns drive conservation push

Thailand currently has around 95 days of energy reserves remaining, according to Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

The government is seeking additional liquefied natural gas supplies from the United States, Australia and South Africa.

Natural gas accounts for nearly 68 per cent of Thailand’s energy needs.

More than half of the country’s liquefied natural gas comes from domestic production in the Gulf of Thailand.

Around 35 per cent is imported, including approximately 13 per cent from neighbouring Myanmar, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Earlier this month, Thailand also halted energy exports to all countries except Laos and Myanmar.

Authorities warned that additional restrictions could be introduced if the conflict worsens.

Potential measures include dimming advertising signs at shops and cinemas and requiring petrol stations to close by 10pm.

The government also urged the public to cooperate by reducing electricity use and adopting practices such as carpooling.

Vietnam urges businesses to adopt remote work

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has also urged businesses to encourage employees to work from home where possible.

The ministry said the measure would reduce travel and lower fuel consumption amid supply disruptions caused by the Iran war.

Vietnam has been among the countries hardest hit by the disruption because it relies heavily on imported energy from the Middle East.

According to a government statement released on Tuesday, the ministry also warned companies and consumers not to hoard or speculate on fuel supplies.

Officials said stabilising demand would be crucial to managing supply pressures.

The government has been monitoring fuel markets closely since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran earlier this year.

Philippines shifts to temporary four-day workweek

The Philippines has announced a temporary four-day workweek for government offices as part of its response to rising fuel prices.

President Ferdinand Marcos said the measure would take effect starting Monday.

The policy is intended to reduce commuting and fuel consumption while easing the economic impact of the war.

Frontline services such as police, fire services and other essential operations are exempt from the shorter workweek.

The president warned that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz could sharply raise local fuel prices.

According to government estimates, gasoline prices could increase by 7.48 pesos per litre.

Diesel could rise by 17.28 pesos, while kerosene could increase 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 Philippines imports most of its crude oil from the Middle East and still relies on oil-fired power plants to generate electricity.

The conflict also threatens the safety and employment of more than two million Filipinos working in the Middle East.

Government austerity measures and economic support

Authorities in the Philippines have ordered government agencies to reduce fuel and electricity consumption by between 10 per cent and 20 per cent.

Government study tours and team-building activities have been banned.

Meetings that can be conducted online must be held virtually.

Marcos also asked parliament to authorise a reduction in excise taxes on petroleum products if crude oil prices exceed US$80 per barrel.

He additionally proposed amendments to biofuel regulations to allow cheaper bioethanol blending with petroleum products.

The government plans to introduce fuel subsidies and cash transfers for sectors affected by rising energy costs.

Malaysia monitors oil prices while maintaining subsidies

Malaysia has not introduced new energy restrictions but said it is closely monitoring developments.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the country could maintain the RON95 fuel price ceiling at RM1.99 per litre, equivalent to about US$0.51, for approximately two months if geopolitical tensions intensify.

He said the government would continue efforts to prevent rising energy costs from burdening the public.

Authorities are also seeking to safeguard employment and manage inflationary pressures.

Oil prices surged to around US$100 per barrel earlier this week as markets reacted to the conflict.

However, by 10 March 2026 Brent crude had fallen below US$100 after United States President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could be approaching a resolution.