Energy security

Malaysia works to secure fuel supply beyond June: economy minister

The government still has the flexibility to administer its fuel subsidies while managing the fiscal deficit, he says

“We will keep trade open and predictable. Asean agreed to avoid restrictive trade measures, including export bans on essential goods,” Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

Asean vows to avoid export bans, share fuel as oil prices soar

The 11-nation bloc is also working to advance the ratification of a coordinated emergency fuel sharing agreement

China saw growth pick up more than expected in the first quarter, in a turnaround from the end of last year as manufacturing powered ahead.

China scales back fiscal stimulus in first month of war in Iran

Mideast conflict poses little threat so far, due to the nation’s proactive energy security moves

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin in Moscow on April 13.

As more Asean states turn to Russia for fuel, will Moscow boost its influence in the region?

Moscow has much to gain as fuel exports to the region will result in hard currency and alternative markets

The chokehold on Strait of Hormuz has revealed a new geo-economic weapon that impacts not only energy but sectors such as transport, fertilisers and chemicals.
THE POLITICS THAT MATTER

Singapore’s resilience and ‘unnatural resourcefulness’ amid global shocks

The nation’s ‘resources’, built through infrastructure, markets and trusted relationships, may prove critical in times of disruption

Employees work on an EV production line in a factory in China in 2024. Shipments of EVs and hybrids from China jumped to a record 349,000 units in March 2026.

China clean tech exports jump as Iran war spurs demand

CHINA’S exports of clean technology climbed in March, reinforcing signs that manufacturers are benefiting from rising global demand for alternative energy sources as traditional supplies are roiled by...

Analysts say that for Asean, considerable challenges to energy cooperation remain.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Why Asean has yet to step on the gas in regional energy cooperation

While there is an Asean emergency petroleum sharing pact, this has never been activated

Oil volatility driven by the Iran conflict is pushing parts of Asia toward fuel subsidies.

The cost of conflict: Asia’s energy risk

The Iran crisis threatens the Straits of Hormuz, risking higher oil prices and Asian stagflation. The immediate market volatility, subsidy issues, and Asia's potential for energy resilience via divers...

Density, resilience and self-sufficiency can be planned for in tandem. The writers make a case for reinstating the production of food, energy and water closer to where people live. Above is a 2013 proposal for Tengah Green by design agency WOHA.

When the gates close – designing the resilient city

Each crisis – including the current conflict in the Middle East – has shown how global supply chains buckle. Will Singapore rethink its urban planning and design?

The Jurong Rock Caverns, which was opened in 2014, are part of how the Government plans ahead for Singapore’s future, said Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing.

Singapore has experience to explore more underground spaces for fuel reserves: Tan See Leng

Jurong Rock Caverns facility can store crude oil or compatible products to increase storage capacity for all of local refineries