Middle East energy shock puts greater ASEAN cooperation in focus

The Middle East energy crisis is prompting Southeast Asian nations to strengthen regional cooperation for energy security, according to government and industry leaders at the Gastech 2026 energy conference in Bangkok. Disruptions to supplies from the Middle East have exposed Asia's vulnerability to supply shocks, and countries are seeking more diverse energy sources and stronger regional links.

Tengku Muhammad Taufik, CEO of Malaysia's state-owned energy company Petronas, believes Asia will become more regionalized and less reliant on a global ecosystem for energy. This shift could lead to increased reliance on neighbors and friends for long-term energy security. Singapore GasCo CEO Alan Heng echoed this sentiment, stating that the Middle East crisis and the global energy disruption following Russia's invasion of Ukraine have prompted Singapore to rethink its energy strategy.

Singapore aims to build a diverse portfolio of energy sources and suppliers to manage future disruptions. Greater regional cooperation could extend to electricity interconnection, with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg expressing ambitions to expand electricity exports to neighboring countries and build a more interconnected ASEAN electricity system.