05/04/2026 01:41 AST
Governments worldwide are moving swiftly to contain the fallout from a sharp rise in energy costs, as global supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran rattle markets.
Surging fuel and electricity prices have prompted urgent steps to protect consumers and secure supplies, with mounting pressure on economies.
In Asia, India has taken measures to safeguard domestic supply, signaling a potential review of fuel exports if needed while prioritizing the local market. Requests from neighboring countries for fuel will be met only if surplus is available.
Authorities have also barred consumers connected to piped gas networks from using liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to manage demand. New Delhi has invoked emergency powers, directing refiners to maximize cooking gas output while cutting industrial supplies to meet household needs.
South Korea is boosting domestic energy production by easing restrictions on coal-fired plants and increasing nuclear utilization to 80 percent of capacity. It is also considering additional support vouchers for vulnerable households. To bolster supply, Seoul has begun implementing a ban on naphtha exports.
China has imposed restrictions on refined fuel exports as a precaution against domestic shortages, while allowing drawdowns from fertilizer reserves to support agriculture ahead of the spring season.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore will accelerate previously announced budget support measures to ease pressure on households and businesses. Indonesia aims to increase coal output, is weighing export taxes, and plans a biofuel program using a diesel-palm oil blend. Cambodia is importing additional fuel from Singapore and Malaysia to offset shortages.
Japan will temporarily ease restrictions to expand coal-fired power generation for one year and has called for coordination through the Group of Seven and the International Energy Agency to stabilize markets. It has also asked Australia to boost liquefied natural gas output.
Elsewhere, the Philippines has suspended wholesale spot electricity trading due to price volatility and supply risks, while activating a 20 billion peso emergency fund.
Vietnam is accelerating a shift to ethanol-blended gasoline, and Australia is drawing on fuel reserves to address shortages, particularly in rural areas, while warning of prolonged economic impacts. Authorities have urged reduced fuel use, including greater reliance on public transport.
Europe acts
European Union institutions have called for temporary measures, including cuts to electricity taxes and network charges, alongside direct support for households.
Italy is considering reducing fuel levies and may impose windfall taxes on companies benefiting from the crisis. Spain is preparing aid and tax relief for households and hard-hit sectors.
In Eastern Europe, Romania has cut diesel excise duties. Serbia has reduced fees on crude oil and extended a ban on exports of oil and derivatives. Slovenia has imposed temporary limits on fuel purchases.
Greece announced 300 million euros in support for fuel and fertilizers, along with reduced maritime transport costs to ease pressure on consumers and farmers.
Americas, Africa respond
In Latin America, Argentina has postponed fuel tax increases. Brazil has scrapped federal diesel taxes, imposed a levy on oil exports and unveiled plans to support fuel imports at the state level.
In Africa, South Africa has temporarily reduced fuel taxes, Ethiopia has increased subsidies, and Namibia has cut fuel levies by 50 percent for three months. Other countries are considering similar steps.
In the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt has capped prices for unsubsidized bread and raised procurement prices for local wheat to strengthen strategic reserves.
Other measures include tax cuts in North Macedonia, energy-saving steps in Mauritius, efforts to secure additional supplies in Sri Lanka and a possible reduction in value-added tax on fuel in Poland.
The breadth of these actions underscores the scale of the global response, as governments seek to cushion households and economies from rising energy costs. Amid persistent geopolitical tensions, policymakers continue to adjust strategies to manage supply risks and price volatility.
Asharq Al Awsat
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