Energy Security Emerges as Global Priority
Energy Security Emerges as Global Priority
Anonymous
Key Points
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India obtains approximately 45% of its crude oil, 60% of its natural gas and more than 90% of its LPG imports from the Middle East. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz left about 1.6 million tonnes of crude oil and 320,000 tonnes of LPG stranded on Indian-flagged vessels.
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India’s LPG supply challenge affects more than 330 million households and requires roughly 29 to 34 cargoes a month. The government is also considering an economic stabilization fund to absorb the fiscal impact of external energy shocks.
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Bangladesh’s domestic supply of relatively inexpensive natural gas is expected to be exhausted well before 2040, while gas shortages are already leaving gas-fired power plants, industrial facilities and fertilizer plants idle. The article argues that rapidly expanding LNG import infrastructure could restore those unused capacities.
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Vietnam’s provincial authorities have assigned the Department of Industry and Trade to prepare and submit updates to both the national power development plan and the provincial power-supply network plan, including responsibility for the accuracy of the supporting data and documents.
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Asia-Pacific energy cooperation is shifting from equipment sales and individual projects toward localized, integrated supply chains. Peking University Energy Research Institute Vice-President Yang Lei said institutional bottlenecks must be addressed through stronger regional collaborative governance.
Energy security is reshaping Asia-Pacific strategy as geopolitical conflicts, fragile supply routes, and the push toward cleaner energy force nations to rethink their fuel sources and policies. News on Air reports that India has stated it will take all necessary steps to ensure energy security, particularly after disruptions left 1.6 million tonnes of crude oil and 320,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas stranded on Indian-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
From India's sprawling dependency on Middle Eastern oil to Bangladesh's rapidly depleting natural gas reserves, countries across the region are pivoting toward diversified imports, bigger strategic reserves, and faster renewable energy deployment. Economic Times reported that India called for international cooperation on secure, affordable energy at a G20 ministerial meeting, emphasizing that reliable energy is essential for development, especially for developing economies.
India Faces Massive Supply Shock From Middle East Disruptions
India obtains roughly 45% of its crude oil, 60% of its natural gas, and over 90% of its LPG from the Middle East. When maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz faced severe disruption, Indian officials confirmed that four crude tankers carrying 1.6 million tonnes, six LPG vessels with 320,000 tonnes, and one LNG vessel were stranded. This creates an immediate crisis for India's 330 million households relying on LPG for cooking.
India needs between 29 and 34 LPG cargo shipments monthly to meet household demand. Economic Times noted that the Indian government invoked emergency measures, using the Essential Commodities Act to divert fuel supplies away from non-essential industrial users toward residential cooking gas and fertilizer production. Officials are also considering an economic stabilization fund to absorb the fiscal impact of external energy shocks.
Bangladesh Races Against Depleting Natural Gas Reserves
Bangladesh faces a ticking clock: its domestic natural gas supply is expected to run out well before 2040. Gas-fired power plants, fertilizer factories, and industrial facilities are already sitting idle due to chronic supply shortages. This threatens Bangladesh's economic growth and food security, since fertilizer production depends heavily on natural gas.
Energy experts and government officials argue that rapidly expanding liquefied natural gas import infrastructure is the key to restoring idle industrial and power capacity. By building more LNG regasification terminals and fostering a diversified generation mix, Bangladesh could unlock billions of dollars in productive capacity and reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports.
Asia-Pacific Seeks Unified Energy Governance and Standards
Across Asia-Pacific, energy ministers and industry leaders are shifting away from one-off equipment deals toward integrated regional supply chains for renewables, energy storage, and green hydrogen. Peking University Energy Research Institute Vice-President Yang Lei emphasized that institutional bottlenecks must be addressed through stronger regional collaborative governance and common technical standards.
Vietnam's provincial authorities have been tasked with updating national and regional power development plans to align with broader energy cooperation goals. Officials and corporate leaders at the Beijing APEC Energy Week symposium called for establishing 'green trade corridors' and mutual technical certifications to safeguard renewable supply lines and prevent future energy crises.
Natural Gas Viewed as Essential Bridge to Lower-Carbon Future
Despite pressure to decarbonize rapidly, energy leaders across Asia-Pacific view natural gas as a necessary 'bridge fuel' that maintains grid stability while renewables scale up. Developing economies argue that LNG infrastructure is not a step backward but a practical stepping stone toward energy independence and climate goals.
This perspective contrasts with environmental advocates who worry that expanding LNG locks countries into long-term fossil fuel dependence. India's policy prioritizing household energy and fertilizer supplies over industrial contracts illustrates the tension between national security, fiscal stability, and global climate commitments.
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