Asian Nations Boost Coal Amid Iran War

The ongoing Iran war has significantly disrupted global oil and natural gas shipments, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has compelled several Asian nations, including India, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, to revert to coal as a primary energy source to cover LNG shortfalls and meet rising demand. This shift is leading to increased coal consumption, with countries like India burning more coal for summer demand and Indonesia prioritizing domestic supply over exports, which could further tighten regional supplies and push global prices higher. The increased reliance on coal risks worsening air pollution, slowing the transition to renewable energy, and increasing planet-warming emissions across Asia. While coal offers a short-term fix, experts warn of its long-term environmental and economic vulnerabilities. The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency, highlighting the severity of the situation. This event underscores the fragility of global energy supply chains and the complex challenges nations face in balancing energy security with environmental commitments.