Today in Focus Cash handouts and no AC: Iran war energy shock hits Asia – The Latest
24 snips
Mar 20, 2026 
Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s Southeast Asia correspondent based in Bangkok, gives on-the-ground reporting. She describes visible fuel shortages and local impacts. She outlines workplace energy-saving measures and why the region is highly exposed. She examines China’s relative resilience and shifting geopolitical ties. She highlights the human cost and the strain on subsidies and cash aid.
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Immediate Fuel Shortages Disrupt Farming And Transport
- Southeast Asia faces immediate fuel shortages with long queues, 40% of Laos stations closed, and farmers unable to access diesel.
- Rebecca Ratcliffe described a Thai farmer queuing two hours who only secured £12 worth of diesel, insufficient for large harvests.
Governments Ask Citizens To Cut Air Conditioning Use
- Governments are asking workers to reduce energy use: work from home, limit AC, and dress less formally to cut cooling demand.
- In Thailand news anchors removed jackets on air and officials were told to wear short sleeves and no ties to reduce AC reliance.
Low Reserves Make Southeast Asia Highly Vulnerable
- Heavy Middle East dependence leaves countries exposed: the Philippines imports about 90% of its oil and Vietnam has only ~20 days of reserves.
- Rebecca contrasted Vietnam's 20-day stock with Japan's 250-day reserve to show vulnerability.