The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since 2 March is sending shockwaves through Asia's energy systems, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on oil and gas from Arab Gulf states.
The narrow Gulf waterway, through which roughly a third of seaborne crude and about 20 percent of global LNG passes, is a critical artery for energy flows to Asia.
Since Iran effectively shut the strait, tanker traffic has dropped to almost zero, pushing up prices and straining supply chains.
Analysts warn that even a short disruption is driving inflation and transport costs higher, while a prolonged blockade could slow economic growth across the region. Philippines: emergency declared as crisis deepens The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "national energy emergency" as fuel shortages worsen.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also warned there was a "distinct possibility" of grounding aircraft due to jet fuel shortages, with some countries refusing to refuel Philippine carriers. Airlines are being forced to carry fuel for return journeys, raising costs and limiting operations.
The government is now scrambling for short-term fixes, with authorities rolling out fuel subsidies, raising transport fares and introducing a four-day work week for civil servants to curb consumption.
Manila is also considering increasing coal-fired power generation and boosting imports from Indonesia, as soaring LNG prices force a temporary shift back to more polluting energy sources.
The crisis is already hitting livelihoods, with drivers reporting incomes being cut in half due to a surge in fuel prices. Officials are also exploring alternative suppliers, including potential Russian oil imports. South Korea: energy-saving drive as supply fears grow South Korea on Tuesday moved to secure alternative energy supplies, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz deepen.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked Oman for support on crude oil and LNG shipments, while officials warned of mounting risks to supply, with more than 70 percent of oil imports passing through the strait.
President Lee Jae Myung also called for a nationwide energy-saving campaign, urging shorter showers, reduced car use and lower electricity consumption, as authorities prepare for potential shortages.
The government is considering restarting nuclear reactors, extending coal plant operations and releasing reserves, though officials warn stockpiles may not last two months under real consumption conditions.
Industries including petrochemicals, shipping and aviation are already under pressure, with Seoul also preparing a multi-billion dollar stimulus package to cushion the economic impact. Bangladesh: fuel prices surge as crisis strains economy Bangladesh on Tuesday sharply raised jet fuel prices by nearly 80 percent as global energy costs surge.
The hike marks the second increase this month, with aviation fuel prices now up more than 100 percent since the start of the war, raising concerns over travel costs and broader economic strain.
Dhaka is also scrambling to secure financial support, seeking around $2 billion in loans from international lenders to stabilise its energy sector and protect foreign currency reserves.
Authorities have introduced emergency measures to curb consumption, including halting fertiliser production, limiting fuel purchases and exploring alternative energy imports from outside the Middle East.
With around 95 percent of its energy needs imported, Bangladesh remains highly exposed to prolonged disruption. Pakistan: emergency measures as shortages deepen Pakistan is imposing emergency measures to conserve fuel as shortages worsen.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid travel, including asking cricket fans to stay home during the Pakistan Super League to reduce fuel use, while the number of match venues has been cut.
Fuel prices have surged, with high-octane petrol rising by around 60 percent, as the government prepares further measures to cope with the crisis.
Schools have been temporarily closed and broader restrictions introduced as officials warn of mounting pressure on energy supplies.
Heavily reliant on imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan faces rising risks of power shortages, inflation and wider economic disruption if the crisis continues. India: supply pressure and rising costs hit households India is tightening controls on gas supplies as disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz strain imports.
Authorities have moved to safeguard shipments, with several India-bound LPG tankers managing to transit the strait, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Delhi was working with allies to secure energy supply chains.
Despite reassurances, shortages and price spikes are already being felt on the ground. Cooking gas prices have surged on the black market, pushing poorer households back to using wood and coal.
Officials have warned against hoarding and panic buying, as tighter controls are introduced to manage dwindling supplies.
Heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy, India faces mounting risks of inflation, supply disruption and broader economic strain if the crisis continues. Japan: reserves tapped as supply risks mount Japan on Tuesday moved to release part of its strategic oil reserves as the Hormuz disruption threatens supply.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government would begin releasing state reserves from Thursday, alongside tapping joint stockpiles held with Gulf producers, as Tokyo seeks to stabilise supply.
Japan, which relies on the Middle East for around 95 percent of its oil imports, is also exploring alternative routes and increasing purchases from the United States to reduce dependence on Hormuz.
While reserves offer short-term relief, officials warn that rising oil prices could push inflation higher again, with the central bank flagging growing risks from the ongoing crisis. China: price controls as shortages and queues emerge China has moved to contain rising fuel costs as the Hormuz disruption strains supplies.
Authorities on Tuesday scaled back planned fuel price hikes to "reduce the burden" on drivers, after petrol prices surged by around 20 percent since the start of the conflict.
The government has also reportedly curbed fuel exports and introduced regulatory measures to stabilise domestic supply, as long queues formed at petrol stations in several cities and some outlets ran out of fuel.
Despite holding one of the world’s largest strategic reserves, Beijing is acting cautiously to manage short-term pressures, with more than 300 million drivers affected by rising costs.
Heavy reliance on Gulf oil, alongside its role as the world’s largest importer, means prolonged disruption could still drive inflation and intensify competition for global supplies. Global ripple effects Jet fuel prices have surged, disrupting global aviation, while oil prices are expected to climb further if the blockade continues, as the impact is spreading beyond Asia.