Asian Governments Race to Shockproof Energy Supply as Hormuz Risk Deepens

With the Strait of Hormuz under attack, energy importers are moving to reduce their dependence on a single waterway. The South China Morning Post reported that the Philippines is pushing to build a cross-border power link with Indonesia to secure supply amid rising electricity costs, a step toward a long-delayed regional grid, in its coverage. The urgency is a direct response to how fragile concentrated energy routes have become.

The effort extends to the Gulf itself. The Japan Times examined a proposed US-Saudi nuclear cooperation pact that has raised alarm in Washington and the region over proliferation and security, in an explainer. For Riyadh, domestic nuclear power is partly about protecting itself from the same conflict now disrupting its oil exports.

It is not clear whether the main waterway can be reopened by force. The Financial Times reported that the renewed American air campaign has yet to reassure shipowners that Hormuz can be made safe from Iranian attack, in a military briefing. Until they are reassured, insurance and freight costs stay elevated regardless of headline oil prices.