Southeast Asian countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude oil are implementing emergency energy conservation measures as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global oil supply chains.
Thailand's cabinet on Monday ordered all government agencies not directly involved in public services to immediately implement work-from-home arrangements. Overseas business trips for government officials are banned except for essential international meetings, and air conditioning in government buildings is restricted to 26 degrees Celsius.
"The government expects all sectors to use resources efficiently," Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Council said in a statement.
While the private sector has only been urged to voluntarily conserve energy, authorities are considering mandatory measures including turning off signage lights after 10 p.m. and limiting gas station operating hours if supply disruptions worsen.
The Philippines has already implemented compulsory measures. Since last Wednesday, all government agencies except essential personnel such as police and firefighters have adopted a four-day workweek, with mandatory 10-20% reductions in fuel and electricity consumption.
In-person meetings that can be held online have been completely banned. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on April 6: "We don't know when the Middle East turmoil will end. We are fully bearing the damage of a war we neither chose nor wanted."
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade officially acknowledged the country as one of the hardest hit by fuel supply disruptions following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. According to state-owned Petrolimex, gasoline prices have surged 32%, diesel 56%, and kerosene 80% since airstrikes on Iran began on March 28.
Long lines of vehicles and motorcycles formed at gas stations in Hanoi and other major cities seeking fuel, while dozens of small gas stations temporarily closed or reduced hours due to supply shortages.
The Vietnamese government has recommended private companies shift to remote work and urged citizens to limit personal vehicle use in favor of public transportation and bicycles. Authorities also announced crackdowns on fuel hoarding and speculation.
International oil prices remain subject to further increases depending on developments in the Middle East. If Iran fully enforces the Strait of Hormuz blockade or escalation continues, transit risks through the strait—which handles more than 20% of global crude exports—could push prices higher.
However, analysts note that diplomatic negotiations or release of U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves could stabilize prices. Whether emergency conservation measures announced by Southeast Asian governments will remain short-term responses or lead to long-term energy restructuring depends on how long the crisis persists.