Iran war pushes countries into energy triage as they conserve power and curb soaring prices

https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-wars-energy-asia-gas-oil-f22739369eb36ccaf87543459cfed320

Iran war pushes countries into energy triage as they conserve power and curb soaring prices
By ANTON L. DELGADO and ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL
Updated 9:41 AM CDT, March 17, 2026

BANGKOK (AP) — The escalating war with Iran is pushing parts of the world into energy triage, forcing governments to choose where to cut demand or absorb costs, while prioritizing dwindling supplies.

Asia is the most exposed since it relies heavily on imported fuel, much of it shipped through the now-blocked Strait of Hormuz. The narrow passage offshore from Iran is the main route for shipping a fifth of global trade in crude oil and liquified natural gas.

Governments in the region are scrambling to adjust — tallying oil reserves, conserving energy, competing for supplies and trying to blunt prices. That brings difficult trade-offs: saving power may slow business activity. Prioritizing cooking gas for households can hurt restaurants and other businesses.

In the Philippines, officials have switched to a four-day workweek to cut back on fuel consumption and reduce the government’s energy use by a fifth. Offices have been told to switch off computers during lunch breaks and keep air conditioning no lower than 24°C (75°F). Vietnam has urged people to work from home. While in Thailand, the prime minister has even asked officials to take the stairs instead of elevators.

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Americans will see higher prices in Walmart and on Amazon