Southeast Asia trapped in a dilemma due to high dependence on Middle Eastern oil, tourist boats in Phuket stranded due to inability to refuel.

The ongoing spread of war in the Middle East has further pushed up oil prices with attacks on energy facilities, causing Brent oil to rise by over 40% in March, stabilizing at $100 per barrel. Southeast Asia, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, is facing an energy crisis: Thailand is unable to fuel its wealthy, tourist boats are halting due to diesel shortages, the Philippines sees diesel prices doubling and sparking protests, and gas stations in Vietnam are rationing fuel with long queues. Countries are relying on financial subsidies to lower prices and restrict travel for emergencies, but subsidy funds are running into deficits and becoming unsustainable. The general population is worried that if the conflict continues, widespread inflation is inevitable.