Energy

US intelligence warns Iran unlikely to ease Hormuz Strait chokehold soon: Sources

FILE PHOTO: A cargo ship in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

Field Notes from Beijing

Fuel shock bites in China, but no panic yet

Motorists queue to fill their tanks ahead of a petrol price adjustment expected on March 23, at a petrol station in Suzhou, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on March 22, 2026. (Photo by CN-STR / AFP) / China OUT

World food price rise set to continue if Iran war lasts, FAO says

Sacks of harvested wheat are seen at a grain market in Gaggarpur village, in the northern state of Haryana, India, April 25, 2025. REUTERS/Bhawika Chhabra

This is what happens when the gas runs out

In India and Pakistan, a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas has left millions unable to cook daily meals, forcing the closing of thousands of small businesses and restaurants.

Bangladesh cuts working hours to save energy amid Middle East crisis

Bangladesh is heavily dependent on fuel imports and has been battered by price volatility and supply uncertainty from the Iran war.

Malaysia to raise air-con temperatures in government offices to cut energy costs amid Iran war

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki said the move is part of broader efforts to manage energy usage.

Malaysia civil servants to work from home amid fuel crisis: PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement late on April 1 comes as Malaysia starts to feel the impact of the Middle East war on global fuel supplies.

South Korea's Lee urges prompt passage of $17 billion extra budget amid Middle East energy crisis

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung gives a speech on the Government's first supplemetary budget bill of 2026 at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, 02 April 2026. JEON HEON-KYUN/Pool via REUTERS

Hopes dim for swift end to Iran war after Trump speech; oil prices surge anew

Smoke rises following a strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 1, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

A war meant to break Iran could leave Tehran stronger, and Gulf exposed

People stand near damaged buildings, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from a handout video released on April 1, 2026. Iranian Red Crescent Society/Handout via REUTERS

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.