Energy Crisis Looms as Southeast Asian Neighbours Push Work-From-Home Policies
Jakarta — The impact of conflict in the Middle East is now being felt across Southeast Asia. The governments of Thailand and Vietnam have implemented energy conservation measures, including encouraging employees to work from home, following disruptions to global oil supplies that have triggered fuel price increases and volatility.
The policy was announced as the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has begun disrupting the global energy supply chain, causing fuel prices to fluctuate and raising concerns about supply shortages in several countries.
In Thailand, the government has requested civil servants to work from home where possible as part of national energy conservation measures. Authorities have also asked government offices to raise air conditioning temperature settings to 26 degrees Celsius to reduce electricity consumption.
“The government wants all sectors to use resources wisely and effectively,” Thailand’s government stated in an official statement, according to AFP.
The government has also requested officials to avoid foreign travel during this period of energy uncertainty.
These measures were taken after Thailand’s government last week ensured it had secured sufficient oil supplies for approximately two months ahead. However, to maintain energy reserves, Thailand has decided to temporarily halt oil exports.
Additionally, the government has set a price cap on diesel at nearly 30 baht per litre, or approximately US$0.94 per litre, for 15 days. This policy aims to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on the public and the domestic transport sector.
Vietnam Removes Fuel Import Tariffs
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s government has taken a different approach by eliminating import duties on certain imported petroleum products. The policy, which came into effect on Monday, is intended to prevent potential fuel shortages whilst stabilising the domestic market.
Vietnam’s government has also encouraged companies to allow employees to work from home where possible. According to the government statement on its official website, this measure is expected to reduce fuel consumption.
Additionally, the government in Hanoi has appealed to the public to reduce the use of private vehicles and switch to public transport, cycling, or car-sharing.
Despite various measures being implemented, the impact of energy volatility continues to be felt in Vietnam. Unleaded petrol prices in the country have surged more than 20 per cent since the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran began over a week ago.
The price increase has triggered long queues at several fuel stations. In the capital Hanoi, thousands of motorcyclists were seen queuing to purchase petrol on Tuesday.
So far, Vietnam has managed to avoid widespread fuel shortages. However, state media has reported that dozens of small-scale fuel stations have begun temporarily closing operations or reducing service hours due to dwindling supplies.
The Philippines’ Work Week
Previously, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the implementation of a four-day work week system in several Philippine executive branch offices starting 9 March.
Marcos stated that this measure was part of the government’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption, as global oil prices have surged following the conflict that erupted in the oil-producing region.
“From the government’s side, starting Monday, 9 March, we will temporarily implement a four-day work week system in some executive branch offices. This does not include offices that provide emergency services or essential services, such as police, fire departments, and offices that provide frontline services to the public,” Marcos said, according to Inquirer.
He also ordered all government agencies to undertake significant energy conservation measures.
“Furthermore, I have directed all government agencies to conserve and reduce electricity consumption and fuel expenditure by 10 to 20 per cent,” he said.
In addition to reducing working days, Marcos has also temporarily banned official travel and government activities deemed non-urgent, including meetings that could actually be conducted within the office.
The four-day work policy in offices is governed by Memorandum Circular No. 114. This regulation also refers to the Memorandum Circular of the Civil Service Commission No. 6 of 2022, which has been updated through Memorandum Circular CSC No. 1 of 2025.
In the memorandum circular, it is stated that the arrangement will remain in effect “until revoked or cancelled earlier by the president.”
“For this purpose, all agencies are instructed to formulate their respective internal guidelines to ensure proper monitoring and documentation, including verification of attendance, as well as performance standards and monitoring mechanisms, in accordance with applicable law, regulations, and CSC provisions,” the memorandum circular stated.
Several government agencies have even begun preparing additional measures. Starting 13 March, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry will shift its office operations in Makati City to a remote work system.
For the private sector, alternative work arrangements have actually been permitted under the Telecommuting Law, which was enacted in 2018.