Thailand orders civil servants to work from home while Vietnam cuts fuel demand amid energy shock

Governments in Southeast Asia are introducing emergency energy-saving measures as fuel supplies tighten and prices surge following the conflict in the Middle East.

Thailand and Vietnam have both urged businesses and government workers to reduce travel and electricity use, with authorities warning that the regional energy market is under increasing strain.

In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to work from home where possible and adopt strict energy conservation measures. The government also instructed officials to use stairs instead of elevators, suspend overseas travel and limit electricity consumption in public buildings.

Government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana said ministries had also been told to set air-conditioning temperatures at between 26°C and 27°C and relax formal dress codes by encouraging short-sleeved clothing rather than suits and ties.

Thailand has about 95 days of energy reserves remaining

Thailand has about 95 days of energy reserves remaining and is seeking additional liquefied natural gas supplies from the United States, Australia and South Africa, according to Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

Authorities have also halted energy exports to most countries, except Laos and Myanmar, while encouraging the public to adopt conservation measures such as carpooling. If the situation worsens, the government has warned it may impose stricter rules, including dimming advertising lights and requiring petrol stations to close earlier.

Thailand’s energy mix is heavily dependent on natural gas, which accounts for roughly 68% of national demand. Domestic production from the Gulf of Thailand provides over half of the country’s liquefied natural gas, while imports account for about 35%, including 13% from neighbouring Myanmar.

Vietnam is facing similar pressures. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged businesses to encourage employees to work from home to reduce travel and fuel consumption as supply disruptions intensify.

Vietnam relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East and has been among the countries most affected by supply disruptions linked to the Iran war, the government said in a statement.

Fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks. Data from leading fuel distributor Petrolimex shows gasoline prices have increased by 32%, diesel by 56% and kerosene by 80% since the end of last month.

The supply squeeze has already triggered long queues at petrol stations in the capital Hanoi, where motorists and motorcyclists have been waiting for fuel.

Authorities have warned businesses and individuals against hoarding or speculating on fuel supplies.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Minh has also moved to secure alternative sources of energy, holding calls with counterparts in Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to discuss potential crude oil and fuel shipments.

In an effort to stabilise domestic prices, the government has also temporarily removed import tariffs on fuels until the end of April.

The measures highlight growing concern among Asian economies about the wider impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy markets and supply chains.