SEOUL, South Korea: Faced with fuel shortages triggered by the war in Iran, many countries across Southeast Asia are exploring work-from-home policies and stimulus measures, much like they did during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries in Asia are among the hardest hit by the fuel crisis. They purchase ​more than 80 percent of the crude that transits the Strait of Hormuz, now almost totally blocked by Iran since the war broke out on ‌February 28.

While no country in the region has yet enforced work-from-home measures, as in the Covid era, some say these options are being explored.

South Korea's Energy Minister, Kim Sung-whan, said working from home is a good idea when asked about advice from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA, which released a record amount of oil from emergency reserves to address the crisis, suggested steps to ease pressure on oil prices, such as working from home and avoiding flights. Its chief, Fatih Birol, repeated these suggestions at a conference, saying similar steps helped European countries manage energy shortages after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

South Korea has started a campaign asking people to save energy by taking shorter showers, charging phones during the day, and using appliances like vacuum cleaners on weekends. The government is also considering more work-from-home policies.

Other countries are taking similar steps. The Philippines shortened the workweek in some government offices, with President Ferdinand Marcos declaring an energy emergency. Pakistan closed schools for two weeks and increased remote work, while Sri Lanka made Wednesdays public holidays to save fuel.

Singapore urged people to use energy-efficient appliances and electric vehicles, and to set air conditioners to higher temperatures. In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered officials to limit travel, reduce air conditioning use, and work from home.

Some countries are offering financial help. Japan plans to spend billions to keep petrol prices stable, while New Zealand will give weekly payments to low-income families, according to Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

In Australia, fuel shortages and panic buying have affected some areas. The government is also increasing penalties for unfair fuel pricing.

Many Asian countries are releasing fuel from reserves and relaxing fuel standards to increase supply. However, unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, central banks are not cutting interest rates. Instead, some—like the Reserve Bank of Australia—are raising rates due to inflation risks linked to high energy prices.

Economist Jennifer McKeown said rising oil prices create a difficult situation for central banks, as they push up inflation but may also slow economic growth.