News

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has entered its second week, pushing up prices of oil, natural gas and other energy commodities. Volatility in global energy markets has raised concerns that the conflict could further disrupt energy supply chains.

International oil prices have swung sharply. After U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on March 9 that the war could soon end, prices quickly retreated but remained near recent highs.

The Middle East sits at the center of global oil and natural gas trade. Following a strike on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, fossil fuel prices have swung sharply, fueling concerns over inflation, raw material costs, and supply chain stability.

On March 4, Thailand’s government ordered the Ministry of Energy to secure new energy sources within a week to reduce the nation’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil.

Indonesia’s plan to export solar power to Singapore has run into obstacles, with several projects showing little progress since companies signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in 2023.

Thailand is expected to form a new government this month, potentially clearing the way for delayed renewable energy policies and a new power development plan.

This week’s ASEAN sustainability developments are shaped by rising geopolitical risks and shifting energy strategies.

The Iran war has pushed global gas markets back into focus. Biomethane could be a renewable substitute for natural gas, particularly in regions seeking to strengthen energy security while accelerating decarbonization.

Environmental strain is growing in a region already vulnerable, leaving some countries with little capacity to cope.

After Iran attacked energy exporter Qatar and forced a halt to liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority warned the Middle East tensions could drive up local electricity prices. The disruption is already rippling across A