Iran war spurs work-from-home calls, fuel-saving measures in Southeast Asia

From Bangkok to Manila, officials in Southeast Asia are rolling out work-from-home mandates and other fuel conservation measures to shield their economies from surging oil prices, underscoring how an energy shock triggered by the war in Iran is reshaping daily routines half a world away.

Thailand is requiring most government agencies to adopt full-time work-from-home arrangements as part of emergency efforts to reduce energy demand. The order covers all state employees whose roles aren’t directly tied to public services.

The Philippines has sought to cut fuel consumption by shifting government employees to a four-day work week as of March 9, although the shorter schedule is temporary and excludes emergency and frontline services. Some state entities have said they’ll extend fuel subsidies to fisherfolk, farmers and public transport drivers.

In Malaysia, meanwhile, the government will decide on Tuesday the feasibility of work-from-home arrangements for civil servants.

The steps illustrate how quickly rising crude prices can ripple through transport, electricity and food expenses in economies where fuel is a key input and subsidies are limited. The Philippines is seen by economists as among the region’s most vulnerable to inflation risks from higher oil costs, while Thailand’s heavy reliance on Middle East crude — with daily refined oil consumption at about 124 million liters — leaves it exposed to supply disruptions.

With inflation also accelerating in parts of Southeast Asia, policymakers are acting to rein in consumption as the price surge threatens additional strain.

“My fellowmen, we don’t know when the chaos in the Middle East will end,” Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a video message last week. “We are victims of a war that we didn’t choose nor want. We can’t control the war but we can control how we will protect the Filipino.”

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, authorities are considering comparable responses. Vietnam’s trade ministry this week encouraged people to work remotely and use public transport to help cut fuel use.

Thailand’s cabinet has also urged officials to halt non-essential overseas travel and other conservation steps including using less air-conditioning and encouraging short-sleeved attire during the peak hot season have been floated.

For now, Bangkok is seeking voluntary cooperation from businesses and has tasked the Public Relations Department with launching television, radio and social media campaigns to promote energy savings.