SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026 – The International Energy Agency-Regional Cooperation Centre (IEA-RCC), in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, convened a high-level briefing for ASEAN missions in Singapore on 28 April 2026 at the Philippine Embassy to discuss the evolving global energy landscape amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Established by IEA in 2024 as its first office outside its Paris headquarters,  the IEA-RCC serves as a dedicated hub to support Southeast Asian countries in pursuing their energy policy priorities to drive economic development and ensure a secure, affordable and sustainable energy future for the region. 

In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig acknowledged the importance of ASEAN partners such as the IEA in informing policy decisions of ASEAN, whether as member states with unique considerations or as a bloc with a common stake in a robust and secure energy structure. He also provided updates on ASEAN efforts on energy security amid the global energy crisis.

During the session, Ms. Sue-ern Tan, Head of the IEA-RCC presented the Center’s latest assessment of global energy market developments, highlighting potential implications for Southeast Asia. These include constrained oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, reduced petroleum product exports to Asia, and tightening supply conditions affecting key fuels such as jet fuel, petrochemicals, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household consumption. 

The discussion further underscored Southeast Asia’s considerable untapped renewable energy potential, as well as the importance of strengthening regional power connectivity through initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid. 

The briefing brought together ASEAN Heads of Mission and their representatives, officers from the Energy Market Authority (EMA), and senior embassy officials, who exchanged views on strategies to enhance energy security in the near and future terms, as well as pathways to accelerating the region’s transition toward more stable and sustainable energy systems.  (END)