Emergency measures in the face of global price rise
Following the escalation of the conflict with Iran in early 2026, disruptions to oil shipments across the Strait of Hormuz triggered a global fuel crisis. The result: sharply rising prices and energy supply chains under pressure across the planet.
Faced with this scenario, numerous governments have launched emergency measures to protect consumers and guarantee domestic supply. Responses range from direct economic aid to rationing policies as the energy crisis intensifies.
According to data collected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Reuters up to April 1, one of the most common responses has been introduction of emergency subsidies and direct financial support. Countries such as Egypt, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have opted for this approach to alleviate the immediate impact of the fuel hike.
Another common strategy has been temporary limitation or control of fuel prices to prevent costs from skyrocketing for homes and businesses. These types of measures have been applied, for example, in South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Slovenia.
Beyond price control, some governments have also attempted reduce fuel demand through energy saving policies. These include shorter work weeks for public sector employees, travel advisories and mobility restrictions. Countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand have already implemented these types of initiatives to reduce consumption and relieve pressure on reserves.
The most drastic measures involve intervene directly in fuel distribution. India and Bangladesh, for example, have introduced export restrictions and prioritized supplies to sectors considered essential. In India, priority has been given to domestic gas for households, while in Bangladesh the fuel is mainly used for agriculture.
These types of decisions mark a significant change: going from manage prices to actively control the energy crisisa strategy that usually appears when supply interruptions become especially severe.