Cambodia introduces energy-saving measures amid Middle East conflict

Despite these challenges, the government noted that Cambodia’s fuel and electricity supply remains stable, supporting economic activities and public service delivery, based on assessments conducted with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and fuel import companies.

Residents refuel at a petrol station in Stung Treng province, north-eastern Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)
Residents refuel at a petrol station in Stung Treng province, north-eastern Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Cambodian government has issued a directive mandating energy-saving measures across all ministries, agencies and state institutions in response to surging global energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The move comes as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supply chains, leading to sharp increases in fuel prices, including in Cambodia. The rising cost of fuel is also expected to impact electricity production, as it remains a key input, the local Khmer Times reported.

Despite these challenges, the government noted that Cambodia’s fuel and electricity supply remains stable, supporting economic activities and public service delivery, based on assessments conducted with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and fuel import companies.

To address the situation, the government has called for stricter measures to reduce fuel consumption.

All ministries and institutions are encouraged to limit in-person meetings and long-distance travel, and to promote the use of online platforms unless absolutely necessary.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy will issue detailed guidelines on energy-efficient practices and work with the Ministry of Information to raise public awareness through media channels.

Government institutions are mandated to adopt energy-saving practices in office operations, while local administrations will work with EDC to improve the efficiency of public lighting systems./.

VNA

See more

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in a press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta on March 19. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia pushes sustainable energy transition

Diesel plants remain widely used but should gradually be replaced by renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, due to their economic and environmental advantages, said an Indonesian minister.

Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, and Khampheng Douangthongla, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations in Vienna, sign the Lao Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026-2033. (Photo: IAEA)

Laos promotes use of nuclear technology to support sustainable development

Under the newly signed framework, cooperation for 2026–2033 will focus on technical and professional support in radiation and nuclear-related fields, including human resource development, enhanced radiation safety capacity, and applications across industry, energy, agriculture, nutrition, water resources, environmental protection, education, research, and international integration.

Illustrative Image (Photo: bangkokpost)

Asian Durian Brand Conference held in Thailand

The first Asian Durian Brand Conference took place in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, from March 21–22, drawing wide participation from private enterprises, organisations and industry associations involved in the durian sector from both Thailand and China.

Politburo member and President of Laos’ ninth National Assembly Xaysomphon Phomvihane delivers the opening address at the session. (Photo: VNA)

Laos opens first session of 10th National Assembly

Addressing the opening ceremony, Xaysomphon Phomvihane said the session will consider and adopt a number of key national matters, including validation of deputies’ mandates, election of senior state leaders, and approval of the country’s 10th five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026–2030.

Foreign tourists in Thailand. (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand considers cutting visa-free stay to 30 days

The Thai Foreign Ministry’s visa committee had concluded that a 60-day stay may be longer than necessary for most travellers and could create loopholes for people seeking to remain in Thailand without the appropriate visa.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in a meeting discussing energy efficiency to anticipate the threat of an oil crisis stemming from the war in the Gulf countries in the Middle East at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on March 19. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia to roll out energy-saving measures to ensure stability

According to the Presidential Secretariat, the measures aim to maintain a sustainable energy supply while supporting economic stability. Close coordination among ministries is expected to ensure policies are effectively implemented, well-targeted, and do not disrupt public economic activities.

Singapore probes largest mobile network disruption

Singapore probes largest mobile network disruption

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched an investigation into mobile network disruptions affecting Singtel, the island nation’s largest telecom operator, between March 16 and 18.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) chairs a special meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Centre for the Situation in the Middle East on March 19. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Middle East tensions prompt Thailand to act on fuel shortages

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that Thailand’s oil reserves are sufficient for around 100 days, up from 62 days at the onset of the crisis, adding that emergency fuel injections into the supply system are being accelerated and the situation is expected to return to normal within one to two weeks.

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Juan Miguel Cuna speaks during the 2026 World Water Day event at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on March 19, 2026. (PNA photo by Marita Moaje)

Philippines faces risk of water shortages

DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David underscored the department’s programmes to bring potable water to the country's remote provinces, targeting 250 small islands where drinking water is scarce.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts in October 2025. (File photo: AP)

Indonesia: Mount Lewotobi erupts

Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has urged residents to avoid activities within a 4-kilometre radius of the crater and to wear masks to protect their respiratory systems from volcanic ash.