Air conditioning shortages spread across South and Southeast Asia
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 6
Air conditioning shortages spread across South and Southeast Asia
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 6
In Manila, classrooms sweltered as April temperatures topped 100F, while governments from Bangladesh to the Philippines ordered thermostats set no lower than 24C.
The restrictions come as an intense heat wave collides with an energy crunch tied to the Iran war and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Lower- and middle-income Asian countries, heavily reliant on Middle East oil and gas, are struggling to keep cooling affordable as electricity use is curbed.
As a climate-fueled heatwave grips Asia, is reviving coal the only answer to the energy crisis?
With diplomacy stalled, could the Hormuz oil shock soon trigger a global food and economic crisis?
How can nations escape the economic grip of volatile energy chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz?
How the 2026 Iran War and El Niño Triggered Southeast Asia’s Air Conditioning Crisis and Energy Emergency
Overview
In 2026, Southeast Asia faces a severe heatwave with temperatures around 40°C, worsened by an intensifying El Niño, causing dangerous heat and drought. Simultaneously, the Iran war disrupts oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a critical energy crisis. Governments respond with strict air conditioning restrictions and energy-saving measures, impacting worker productivity and daily life. Vulnerable populations suffer heightened health risks, while agriculture and hydropower face serious declines. This crisis accelerates a regional shift toward renewable energy, grid modernization, and smarter HVAC technologies, supported by international finance and ASEAN cooperation, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable energy future.