Singapore, a nation long associated with its extensive reliance on air-conditioning to combat tropical heat, has directed government employees to raise office temperatures to at least 25 degrees Celsius as part of urgent energy-saving measures. The move comes in response to surging global energy prices and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war, which has significantly impacted fuel supply chains worldwide.
The directive, issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment on April 8, is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption across public offices. In addition to adjusting air-conditioning settings, government buildings will begin installing energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and smart sensors to optimise electricity use. Officials stated that increasing the temperature setting by even one degree can reduce energy consumption by approximately 10%, underscoring the potential impact of the measure.
Singapore’s efforts mirror similar steps taken across Southeast Asia, where countries are grappling with the economic fallout of disrupted oil and gas supplies. Much of the region depends heavily on shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy corridor that has effectively been shut since the conflict began. As a result, nations are scrambling to conserve fuel and mitigate the impact of rising costs.
Thailand, for instance, has urged citizens to set air-conditioners between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius while promoting fuel-saving practices such as carpooling and increased use of public transportation. In the Philippines, where nearly all oil imports originate from the Middle East, authorities have shortened the government workweek and mandated reduced electricity and fuel usage. The country also declared a national energy emergency in March after petrol prices surged dramatically.
Despite the current push for conservation, air-conditioning has long been considered integral to Singapore’s development. The late Lee Kuan Yew, widely regarded as the architect of modern Singapore, once credited air-conditioning with transforming productivity in tropical climates. Upon taking office as prime minister, one of his earliest decisions was to install air-conditioning in government buildings, which he believed was essential for efficient administration.
Over the decades, this emphasis has shaped Singapore’s urban landscape. Today, nearly all offices, public transport systems, shopping malls, and many homes are equipped with air-conditioning, often maintained at low temperatures. It is common for office workers to wear sweaters indoors due to the chill, while pedestrians frequently encounter blasts of cold air from mall entrances.
However, the ongoing crisis has prompted a reassessment of such practices. Authorities are encouraging both businesses and the public to adopt similar conservation measures, including limiting air-conditioner use, switching to fans where possible, and relying more on public transport. While fuel prices in Singapore have already risen, the government has not yet resorted to tapping its reserves or implementing rationing measures.
Energy experts warn that the situation highlights broader vulnerabilities across Asia, particularly in countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil. The crisis has been described as an “Asian crisis,” with developing nations facing the greatest challenges due to their reliance on petrol-powered transport and gas for household use.
Analysts suggest that beyond immediate measures, the situation serves as a critical lesson for the region to improve energy efficiency and diversify supply sources to better withstand future disruptions.
