Media Kampung – 27 Maret 2026 | The escalation of fighting in the Middle East has triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices, pressuring fuel markets across Southeast Asia. Nations from Cambodia to Sri Lanka are reporting double‑digit increases in gasoline, diesel and LPG.
In Cambodia, the Ministry of Commerce announced on 25 March that retail gasoline now costs 5,450 riel per litre, a 0.9 % rise over the previous week and part of a 41.5 % surge since the conflict began. Diesel climbed to 7,100 riel, up 5.97 %, while LPG reached 3,200 riel, reflecting a 60 % jump overall.
The Cambodian authorities responded by cutting import duties and taxes on fuel products, aiming to cushion consumers against the surge in international crude prices. The country remains heavily dependent on imported oil, as its offshore reserves are yet untapped.
Across the archipelago, the Philippines activated a 20‑billion‑peso emergency fund to secure domestic fuel supplies. The money will finance the purchase of up to two million barrels of refined oil and liquid petroleum gas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that the nation’s strategic oil reserves cover only about 45 days, emphasizing the urgency of the emergency plan. He stressed that swift action is needed to protect households from volatile global markets.
Malaysia’s government also raised its fuel subsidy budget dramatically, increasing monthly support for RON 95 gasoline and diesel from 700 million ringgit to 3.2 billion ringgit. The surge, equivalent to roughly US $810 million, reflects the sharp climb in world oil prices from US $70 to near US $120 per barrel.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that despite being an oil‑producing country, Malaysia imports nearly half of its energy needs through the Hormuz corridor, making it vulnerable to any disruption. He added that refining, transport and insurance costs have all risen sharply since the conflict erupted.
Vietnam’s civil aviation authority announced temporary suspension of 23 domestic flights per week starting 1 April due to limited jet fuel availability. The airline will keep international routes active while seeking additional fuel supplies from partners such as Qatar and Russia.
In Laos, the Ministry of Industry and Trade reduced the gasoline tax from 25 % to 15 % and eliminated the diesel tax to prevent domestic prices from spiking. The government also tapped its subsidy fund to stabilize fuel costs for consumers.
Sri Lanka, which has been wrestling with a severe economic crisis, raised the retail price of all grades of gasoline by 25 % in March, mirroring regional trends. The increase adds pressure to a population already coping with high inflation and foreign‑exchange shortages.
Analysts estimate that the Sri Lankan hike will lift the average pump price to roughly Rs 260 per litre, a level not seen since the 2022 currency collapse. Officials argue the move is necessary to align domestic prices with rising import costs.
Indonesia recorded a 4.24 % rise in the price of Pertamax, moving from Rp 11,800 to Rp 12,300 per litre, as part of a broader regional surge. The government has yet to announce a coordinated subsidy or tax adjustment.
Japan and South Korea, the world’s largest oil importers per capita, have activated strategic petroleum reserves and imposed temporary price caps to shield motorists. Both countries are monitoring the Hormuz choke point closely.
Pakistan’s federal cabinet limited office operations to four days a week and encouraged remote work to curb fuel consumption. The measures accompany a sharp depreciation of the rupee and dwindling foreign‑exchange buffers.
Bangladesh ordered the closure of all public and private universities for a month to reduce energy demand. The education sector’s shutdown is expected to lower national fuel consumption by several thousand barrels per day.
The United Nations energy agency warned that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push global oil prices above US $130 per barrel, further straining vulnerable economies. It urged diversifying supply routes and accelerating renewable investments.
Regional trade groups are discussing joint fuel procurement strategies to obtain better terms from alternative suppliers such as the United States and Russia. Such cooperation could mitigate the impact of future geopolitical shocks.
As the Middle East conflict shows few signs of abating, Southeast Asian governments face mounting fiscal pressures while trying to shield households from soaring energy costs. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global energy markets and regional stability.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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