South-east Asia imposes fuel and power curbs as oil prices surge

Governments across south-east Asia are rolling out measures to reduce energy use as oil price spikes driven by the war in the Middle East create what the International Energy Agency calls the largest supply disruption in the global oil market. In Thailand news anchors removed jackets on air and officials asked the public to cut air-conditioning; the Philippines has moved many civil servants to a four-day week; and Vietnam urged employers to allow staff to work from home.

The Philippines, which relies on the Gulf for 90% of its oil, is introducing cash handouts for public transport drivers and has ordered government agencies to cut electricity and fuel use by 10–20%. The senate granted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise taxes on oil, though lawmakers warned the duration of the crisis is unclear.

“We are victims of a war that is not of our choosing,” Marcos said. “But we control how we will protect the Filipino,” he added when announcing energy-saving measures.

southeast asia, oil prices, fuel curbs, power curbs, middle east, iea, philippines, thailand, vietnam, excise taxes