Overview
- Thailand has directed most government agencies to adopt full-time work-from-home to curb energy demand, with additional guidance to limit non-essential overseas travel and reduce air-conditioning use.
- The Philippines shifted government workers to a temporary four-day workweek starting March 9, excluding frontline services, and some state bodies plan targeted fuel subsidies for fisherfolk, farmers and public transport drivers.
- Vietnam’s trade ministry urged businesses and residents to work remotely where possible and use public transport to conserve fuel.
- Malaysia will decide on March 17 whether to allow work-from-home arrangements for civil servants, and Thai authorities are rolling out TV, radio and social media campaigns to promote energy savings.
- Global fuel markets remain tight as the conflict constricts flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatar’s LNG shipments reported paused after strikes, pushing Asian buyers to seek spot cargoes and boost domestic output.