Cash handouts and no AC: Iran war energy shock hits Asia – The Latest

Governments are scrambling to find ways to conserve energy and shield the public from soaring costs across south-east Asia, as war in the Middle East causes huge disruption in the global oil market. In Thailand, news anchors have been ditching their jackets after orders to reduce air conditioning use, while government workers in the Philippines are operating on a four-day week. Asia relies heavily on imported energy, much of which passes through the strait of Hormuz, and officials have warned further measures could be considered if the energy crisis worsens. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s south-east Asia correspondent, Rebecca Ratcliffe – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus