Thailand’s oil reserves were sufficient to cover domestic demand for 109 days as of April 9, according to the Ministry of Energy. The reserves consist of 25 days of legally required strategic stock, 22 days of commercial reserves, 31 days of crude currently in transit and another 31 days already secured for delivery.
Category: Economy
Philippines to provide fare discounts and fuel subsidies for public transport
On April 9, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the government will implement a nationwide transportation programme that includes subsidised fares and fuel discounts. The scheme will be implemented on April 15 in order to prevent the pressure caused by surging oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.
China–Laos Railway drives surge in cross-border trade
On April 7, the customs authorities of Kunming city reported a record trade along the Laos-China Railway for the fourth quarter of 2026, rising 62.7% year‑on‑year to CN¥6.81 billion (US$992 million).
Vietnam, Laos and Thailand push East-West Economic Corridor reconstruction
The East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) will be reconstructed following the meeting among officials from Vietnam, Laos and Thailand in Laos’ Champasak province on April 3.
Timor-Leste approves US$168.8 million diesel purchase to secure fuel supply
The government of Timor-Leste has approved a major fuel procurement plan on April 1, aimed at safeguarding national energy supplies amid continuing instability in the Middle East.
Malaysia announces WFH scheme to ease fuel consumption
Malaysia will introduce work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for government institutions from April 15 as part of efforts to conserve fuel and safeguard national energy supplies, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on April 3.
Philippines seeks Iran’s assurance for energy security amid Hormuz blockade
On April 1, the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teresa Lazaro, along with Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) Sharon S. Garin, convened a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh to discuss the country’s energy lifelines.
Fuel crisis drives inflation in Laos
On March 28, Laotian media outlets reported that the country is experiencing rising inflationary pressure, with prices increasing sharply during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Finance.
Hundreds stage strikes in Philippines’ capital as fuel costs rise
On March 26, hundreds of transport workers in Manila, the Philippines, have launched a strike in protest against surging fuel prices, as the Philippines grapples with a worsening energy crisis.
Timor-Leste holds high-level dialogue to advance ASEAN integration
On March 25, Timor-Leste welcomed a high-level delegation from regional and international institutions for talks aimed at supporting the country’s integration to ASEAN and aligning its economic policies with national development priorities.