Due to the Middle East war disrupting oil supplies and causing sharp fluctuations in fuel prices, Thailand and Vietnam on Tuesday encouraged government employees and others to work from home and adopt additional energy-saving measures.
The Thai government stated on the 10th that, as a precaution against potential impacts on fuel supplies, Prime Minister Anutin has ordered government agencies and officials of state-owned enterprises to implement energy-saving measures, including working from home and suspending overseas business trips. The Ministry of Energy also encouraged the public to turn off unnecessary electrical appliances and minimize elevator use. Anutin instructed that officials of government agencies and state-owned enterprises must immediately implement work-from-home measures, except for units providing public services. In addition, all departments must suspend planned overseas visits and related trips.
● Turn off unnecessary electrical appliances, minimize elevator use
The Thai Ministry of Energy simultaneously proposed multiple energy-saving measures. For example, government and private offices are advised to set air conditioners to 26-27 degrees Celsius, allow employees to wear short-sleeved shirts and no ties to work, turn off unnecessary electrical equipment, and minimize the use of elevators and copiers. Online meetings are encouraged to conduct work.
The Ministry of Energy stated that if the situation in the Middle East further deteriorates, the government will dim billboard lighting from 10 p.m. and close all gas stations outside major highways to reduce fuel consumption. Energy Minister Atthapong emphasized that these measures are mainly preventive, and Thailand is currently not facing a fuel crisis.
Neighboring Vietnam's government on Monday eliminated import tariffs on several petroleum products to prevent fuel shortages and stabilize the domestic market. The government said on its website that businesses are also encouraged, "where feasible," to allow employees to work from home to ease fuel demand. Authorities advised the public to limit private car use and instead opt for public transportation, cycling, or carpooling.
On Tuesday, thousands of motorbike riders queued at gas stations across Vietnam. Since the outbreak of war in the Middle East over a week ago, the price of unleaded gasoline in Vietnam has soared by more than 20%.
● Turn off unnecessary electrical appliances, minimize elevator use
The Thai Ministry of Energy simultaneously proposed multiple energy-saving measures. For example, government and private offices are advised to set air conditioners to 26-27 degrees Celsius, allow employees to wear short-sleeved shirts and no ties to work, turn off unnecessary electrical equipment, and minimize the use of elevators and copiers. Online meetings are encouraged to conduct work.
The Ministry of Energy stated that if the situation in the Middle East further deteriorates, the government will dim billboard lighting from 10 p.m. and close all gas stations outside major highways to reduce fuel consumption. Energy Minister Atthapong emphasized that these measures are mainly preventive, and Thailand is currently not facing a fuel crisis.
Neighboring Vietnam's government on Monday eliminated import tariffs on several petroleum products to prevent fuel shortages and stabilize the domestic market. The government said on its website that businesses are also encouraged, "where feasible," to allow employees to work from home to ease fuel demand. Authorities advised the public to limit private car use and instead opt for public transportation, cycling, or carpooling.
On Tuesday, thousands of motorbike riders queued at gas stations across Vietnam. Since the outbreak of war in the Middle East over a week ago, the price of unleaded gasoline in Vietnam has soared by more than 20%.