Offices turn warmer as Iran conflict, El Nino and fuel prices force tough conservation choices.
A severe heatwave and prolonged energy crunch are reshaping daily life and office routines across South-east Asia, as governments juggle air-conditioning curbs, higher fuel prices and work-from-home policies to stretch limited power supplies.
Heatwave And War Driven Shortages
A regional heatwave is hitting just as the war in Iran and the prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz sap fuel reserves, forcing governments to cap air-conditioning use in public buildings and brace for months of abnormal heat while trying to keep offices functioning and workers safe.
Thailand And The El Nino Double Whammy
Thailand has endured temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius with multiple dangerous heat alerts in Bangkok, while public offices have been ordered since March to keep air conditioners at 26 to 27 degrees; experts warn El Nino is likely to recreate extreme heat, droughts and floods that threaten lives, crops and hydropower output just as electricity demand spikes.
Clothing Rules And Office Adjustments
To help staff cope, agencies are relaxing dress codes, such as a Manila Land Transportation Office branch allowing light collared shirts instead of formal wear, and Malaysia promoting breathable cotton batik as offices are fixed at 24 degrees; some workers still buy extra fans, while others welcome warmer but less freezing offices that no longer require sweaters.
Energy Saving, Higher Fuel Prices And WFH
The Philippines and Malaysia now require minimum thermostat settings around 24 to 25 degrees, while Vietnam, Thailand and others have sharply raised petrol and diesel prices as subsidies become unsustainable, prompting more prudent consumption and falling fuel sales; work-from-home mandates and internal notices to switch off air conditioners, lights and escalators earlier in Indonesia and Singapore are cutting commuting and office power use.
Longer Term Shifts In Energy Use
Analysts warn that if the conflict drags on and El Nino worsens, the region could face a shift from oil shock to food shock as drought withers rice, palm oil, rubber and sugar crops and strains dams, while governments accelerate biofuel programmes in Thailand and Indonesia, expand conservation efforts in Singapore and encourage households to buy efficient appliances with public vouchers as part of broader energy transition strategies.
The current heatwave and energy squeeze are forcing South-east Asian governments and citizens to rethink comfort, commuting and consumption, from warmer offices to higher pump prices and new biofuel targets. Indonesians and Singaporeans alike are learning to adapt through home working, efficiency upgrades and lifestyle changes, while recognising that deeper investment in resilient, low carbon energy systems is essential to protect growth, food supplies and daily life from future climate and geopolitical shocks.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Bloomberg (2026)
Keywords: Strait Of Hormuz Shutdown, El Nino Impact, Office Temperature Limits, Fuel Price Hikes, Energy Efficiency Policies
