The Philippines is looking for ways to conserve energy in response to rising fuel costs, and public officials have been ordered to reduce air conditioning use and travel.
All national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and branches of local government have been asked to reduce fuel consumption by at least 10% in response to the crisis in the Middle East.
Government offices have been asked to adopt flexible working arrangements and set air conditioning units at no less than 24 degrees.
A presidential palace spokesman said a four-day work week could also be considered, especially if the crisis in the Middle East worsens, local media reported.
One senator had previously suggested switching to a four-day week or expanding working from home to ease fuel demand. However, it has not yet been discussed by the cabinet.
The Philippines relies on imports for almost all of its oil needs and, like many countries in the region, is especially vulnerable to global price increases. The conflict in the Middle East is feared to put further pressure on inflation in the country, which hit a 13-month high of 2.4% in February.
Other Southeast Asian countries are also introducing energy-saving measures. In Thailand, the Ministry of Defense advised agencies under its control to reduce the use of air conditioning and use video conferencing to avoid unnecessary travel. Managers should also consider allowing staff to work from home, depending on their roles, he said.
In neighboring Myanmar, the military rulers have banned the circulation of half of private vehicles on the roads, announcing that starting this weekend they will be allowed to circulate with even number plates only on even dates and with odd number plates only on odd dates.
“Due to current global political conditions and military conflicts in the Middle East, there are ongoing blockades and disruptions along maritime trade routes used by oil tankers,” the board said. It is unclear how long the order will last. The junta has lost control of vast areas of the country, but retains cities such as Yangon and Mandalay.
Over the past week, queues have been reported at gas stations in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Asia is vulnerable to sustained oil price shocks due to its dependence on imported energy, Deepali Bhargava, regional head of Asia-Pacific research at ING bank, wrote in an analysis this week.
“Apart from Malaysia and Australia, all major economies have a sustained deficit in oil and gas trade, leaving them exposed when global prices rise,” Bhargava said.
The Philippines is at greater risk of inflation, not only because it depends on the Persian Gulf for 90% of its oil needs, but also because its fuel subsidies are much more limited than in countries like India and Thailand, Bhargava added.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said in a news conference this week that the government was considering fuel subsidies for the transportation sector, farmers and fishermen.
“We have instructed all government offices to find ways to save energy,” Marcos said. He also called on the public to adopt energy-saving practices, including carpooling, minimizing unnecessary trips and maximizing the use of public transportation.
Business groups have urged caution in considering the idea, with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry warning that sectors such as manufacturing may not be able to adapt to such patterns and that the industry must remain efficient and competitive.
