The region, which imports more than 80% of crude shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has been hit hard after disruptions linked to Iran’s actions since the conflict began on Feb. 28, tightening global supply and pushing policymakers to consider demand-curbing steps.

No country has formally reinstated remote work mandates, but officials say such measures are under active review. South Korea’s Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said authorities would consult relevant ministries on expanding work-from-home policies, aligning with recommendations from the International Energy Agency.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol reiterated calls this week for reduced travel and remote work, citing earlier precedents such as Europe’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where demand management helped offset supply disruptions.

South Korea has also launched a public campaign encouraging households to cut energy use, including reducing shower times and shifting electricity consumption to off-peak periods.

Across the region, governments have begun implementing targeted measures to stretch limited fuel supplies. The Philippines has shortened the work week for some public offices, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declaring a national energy emergency over risks to supply.

Pakistan has temporarily closed schools and expanded remote work for office staff, while Sri Lanka introduced a weekly public holiday to conserve fuel.Other economies are focusing on efficiency measures rather than mobility restrictions.

Singapore has urged businesses and households to adopt energy-efficient appliances, increase air-conditioning temperatures and accelerate electric vehicle usage.

In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to limit overseas travel, adjust office cooling levels above 25°C and adopt remote work where possible.

The policy responses echo pandemic-era strategies aimed at reducing energy demand, as governments across Asia attempt to cushion the economic and supply shocks stemming from the ongoing conflict.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Birol said the agency would assess market conditions before deciding on further action, after member countries agreed on March 11 to release a record 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to ease surging crude prices.

“If it is necessary, of course, we will do it,” Birol said, adding there was no fixed price threshold that would automatically trigger another coordinated release. He cautioned that stock drawdowns could help stabilise markets but would not resolve underlying supply constraints.

Birol said the Asia-Pacific region was at the forefront of the crisis due to its reliance on energy and critical commodities shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor affected by the conflict.

He described the current situation in the Middle East as “very severe,” saying its impact exceeded that of the 1970s oil shocks and the gas market fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war combined.

According to Birol, the conflict has removed around 11 million barrels per day from global oil supply, intensifying pressure on economies dependent on imports.“The single most important solution to this problem is opening the Hormuz Strait,” he said.

Birol said stock releases represented only one element of the agency’s response, pointing to demand-side measures such as reduced speed limits and increased remote working to curb fuel consumption.

He noted similar steps had helped lower energy use in Europe in 2022, though implementation would depend on national policy decisions.

“The depth of the problem was not well appreciated by decision makers around the world,” Birol said, explaining his decision to speak publicly weeks into the conflict.

During his visit, Birol met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and reviewed the country’s fuel preparedness. While noting that Australia’s overall liquid fuel reserves remain below IEA requirements, he said recent efforts had improved resilience.

He described Australia’s diesel reserves, currently at around 30 days, as “a solid number” in the current environment.

Birol is scheduled to travel to Japan later this week ahead of a Group of Seven meeting, where energy security and coordinated responses to the supply shock are expected to be discussed.