A widening energy shock triggered by the West Asia conflict is forcing countries across Asia and beyond into emergency mode, combining a return to coal with strict fuel controls, work curbs and rationing measures. What began as a supply disruption is now spilling into daily life, from power cuts to transport limits.
Disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and gas, have squeezed LNG supplies and pushed countries toward coal to plug the gap.
India is increasing coal burn to meet peak summer demand, while South Korea has relaxed limits on coal-based power.
China, the world’s largest coal consumer and producer, has ramped up coal capacity in recent years to strengthen energy security and continues to rely on it despite expanding clean energy.
South Korea, which has pledged to cut emissions, has temporarily lifted caps on coal power as LNG supplies tighten.
Indonesia is prioritising domestic coal use over exports, tightening regional availability. Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are also leaning more on coal-fired generation to manage shortages.The shift is a short-term fix, but it risks worsening air pollution and delaying clean energy transitions.
Countries are now rolling out aggressive demand-control measures to conserve fuel:
Pakistan
➤ Schools and colleges shut for two weeks
➤ Four-day working week, 50% work from home for government staff
➤ Fuel allocations to departments cut by half, nonessential vehicles pulled off roads
Sri Lanka
➤ Midweek public holiday for schools, universities and non-essential workers
➤ QR-based National Fuel Pass returns, with strict weekly caps on fuel
Bangladesh
➤ Universities, foreign curriculum schools and coaching centres moved online
➤ Fuel rationing in place since March 8
➤ Five-hour rolling blackouts and shutdown of most fertiliser plants due to gas shortages
Bhutan
➤ Ban on fuel sales in jerry cans to prevent hoarding
➤ Work from home activated, priority supply for emergency services
Philippines
➤ Four-day work week for government staff
➤ Private sector urged to shift to remote work
➤ Non-essential official travel banned
Vietnam
➤ Businesses advised to adopt work from home
➤ Push for public transport, cycling and carpooling
Myanmar
➤ Odd-even vehicle scheme to cut fuel use
Cambodia
➤ Around one-third of petrol stations shut by mid-March
Laos
➤ Remote work for civil servants
➤ Rotational shifts to reduce commuting
Shortages, queues and price shocks
On the ground, the strain is already visible. Bangladesh is witnessing long queues and unrest at fuel stations, with pump owners warning of a “critical point” as supply falls short of demand.
Pakistan has imposed a 200% hike on high-octane fuel, while Sri Lanka has raised prices by around 25% in quick succession, reflecting the mounting import pressure.
Crisis spreads beyond Asia
The energy squeeze is no longer confined to Asia, with multiple countries imposing curbs:
South Africa has adopted “controlled allocation measures” introduced as diesel shortages hit several provinces
Egypt
➤ Early closure of malls, restaurants and government offices
➤ Illuminated billboards switched off
Kenya
➤ Fuel rationing enforced, exports effectively halted
New Zealand
➤ Air New Zealand cancels over 1,000 flights due to jet fuel costs
➤ Government considers reviving ‘car-less day’ policy
Slovakia and Slovenia
➤ Fuel quotas and rationing limits imposed to maintain supply
A fragile balance
Even as some shipments continue to pass through disrupted routes, supplies are being diverted to critical sectors like fertilisers instead of power generation.
Coal remains the fallback due to its availability, but experts warn the reliance could deepen long-term vulnerabilities. The current crisis is exposing how dependent Asia remains on imported energy and how quickly disruptions can ripple through economies and everyday life.
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