The Monocle Daily Global travel disruptions and energy price hikes: how are governments responding?
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Mar 24, 2026 Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and King's College visiting professor, offers sharp commentary on Asia's energy exposure and geopolitics. Nadine Batchelor-Hunt, political reporter, breaks down UK energy policy, travel disruption and domestic political fallout. They discuss rising energy prices, government responses, airport chaos and geopolitical flashpoints in short, lively exchanges.
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Short Term Fixes Drive Energy Responses
- Global energy shocks prompt short-term national measures rather than structural change.
- Isabel Hilton notes countries cut duties, relax targets and dig more coal while stockpiles and pipelines create uneven exposure.
Renewables Shield Some Countries From Price Spikes
- Renewables and electric vehicles cushion countries from fossil-fuel price shocks.
- Isabel Hilton contrasts Norway's near-90% renewables and cheap electric driving with the UK where gas-linked electricity pricing hides renewables' benefits.
Target Energy Support Not Blanket Subsidies
- Target energy support to the most vulnerable rather than blanket subsidies.
- Nadine Batchelor-Hunt warns past blanket subsidies cost tens of billions and a better targeted scheme is still missing.