Southeast Asia shuts offices, limits travel as oil crisis deepens

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Erin HaleMarch 12, 2026 at 09:21 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

Due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Southeast Asian countries are taking measures to mitigate potential energy shortages. Governments in the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar are implementing strategies such as reduced work weeks, work-from-home initiatives, and driving restrictions. Several countries are also intervening in the market by capping fuel prices and utilizing stabilization funds. The region is heavily reliant on imported oil and gas, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making them vulnerable to disruptions. The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Brunei are particularly exposed due to their high dependence on crude oil imports.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Taiwan 30% Quezon City 30% Metro Manila 30% Myanmar 50% United States 60% Indonesia 70% Iran ×370% Thailand ×270% Philippines ×280% Vietnam ×280% Southeast Asia ×390% Strait of Hormuz ×390%

Keywords

oil crisis 90% southeast asia 90% energy shortages 80% strait of hormuz 80% fuel imports 70% fuel prices 70% maritime traffic 60% price cap 50% energy reserves 50%