Concerns are growing worldwide over possible shortages and price surges of fuel and raw materials amid the Middle East conflict that began with Israeli and US attacks on Iran on Feb 28. Governments across Southeast Asia are taking steps to protect citizens' livelihoods.

Myanmar's government passed an emergency decree, effective Mar 7, to restrict the use of automobiles to every other day, meaning private vehicles may only be used on alternate days. With the exception of buses, fuel transport trucks and other vehicles serving essential public functions, only vehicles with odd-numbered license plates (the number in the number/letter combination before the hyphen on a plate) may be used on odd-numbered days, while those with even numbers may be used on even-numbered days. Myanmar relies heavily on imported fuels and is seeking to curb consumption in anticipation of possible supply difficulties.

Indonesia is moving to expand its fuel reserves. Current stockpiles are estimated to cover about 20-25 days. The government aims to increase this to 60-90 days, though the effort will begin with the construction of new storage facilities. Officials appear set to accelerate the plan in response to the present energy crisis.

Thailand's government, meanwhile, is strengthening price monitoring to prevent opportunistic price hikes in daily necessities and plans to impose tougher penalties for such practices. The Thai prime minister said on Mar 3 that he had instructed relevant authorities to freeze automobile diesel prices for 15 days. The following day, the transport minister announced that taxi fare increases would be prohibited for the time being.