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Iran crisis: Government reassurances should not blunt the need for Singapore to save energy

In a country accustomed to plenty, what will it take to change consumer behaviour?

Janice Heng
Published Sun, Mar 22, 2026 · 12:00 PM
    • With Singaporeans used to easy access to electricity, it may be hard to impress upon them that energy is indeed a scarce resource.
    • With Singaporeans used to easy access to electricity, it may be hard to impress upon them that energy is indeed a scarce resource. PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN, BT

    [SINGAPORE] When a country faces any sort of crisis, it is important for its leaders not to spark panic. In relatively sheltered Singapore, however, it may sometimes be harder to get citizens to understand the gravity of the situation.

    Walking that line on Friday (Mar 20) was Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng, when he laid out Singapore’s fuel resilience efforts. He also called for companies and individuals to conserve energy amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

    He noted that Singapore’s supply of liquefied natural gas is diversified across many suppliers from all over the world, and its stockpiles can last for months. The government is prepared for “multiple contingencies” and scenarios, he added.

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