Europe thought it solved the energy crisis by replacing Russian gas. It didn't. Energy rationing has begun across Asia, and the International Energy Agency warns that Western nations are "significantly underestimating" what comes next.
The Middle East conflict has triggered energy rationing across Southeast Asia, where countries depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for imports. One-fifth of global petroleum passes through this strait, with 90% destined for Asian nations. Similarly, one-fifth of worldwide gas sales transit Hormuz, with 85% going to Asian countries including China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Pakistan.
The Philippines declared a national emergency for one year. President Ferdinand Marcos warned that petroleum reserves will last only until late April. The government is providing subsidies to drivers, reducing ferry services, and implementing four-day work weeks for public employees. Fuel prices have more than doubled.
Sri Lanka enforces strict limits: 15 liters weekly for car drivers, 5 for motorcyclists. Schools and universities remain closed every Wednesday to reduce transportation needs.
Myanmar restricts private vehicles to alternating days based on license plate numbers, with electric vehicles exempt. A digital rationing system tracks fuel purchases via QR codes.
Bangladesh has introduced fuel rationing and scheduled electricity blackouts.
These restrictions are generating widespread social unrest. Criminal gangs now steal fuel from service stations and rob vehicles. Fuel distribution workers have been killed in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan - both during robberies and attacks by desperate customers unable to refuel.
European and American countries face lower immediate risk due to reduced Gulf dependency and greater purchasing power. But is not
