Which countries are having the most trouble getting gas and diesel?

BEGIN QUOTES:

 

As of April 2026, countries in South and Southeast Asia, along with certain European nations, are experiencing the most significant shortages of gas and diesel, driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Import-dependent nations with limited refining capacity are the worst affected. 

Most Affected Countries and Regions:

• Philippines: Declared a state of national energy emergency in March 2026, with reports of "critically low" energy supplies and fuel prices exceeding ₱100 per liter.
• Vietnam: Facing severe shortages of diesel and jet fuel, with airlines cancelling flights due to reliance on imports and supply disruptions.
• Laos: Experiencing an acute, "crippling" shortage, with many petrol stations closed and a three-day school week implemented to save fuel.
• Myanmar: Imposed alternate-day driving for private vehicles and is facing long queues for fuel due to lack of refining capacity.
• Bangladesh: Experiencing long queues for fuel and has implemented energy rationing, including turning off street lights and reducing power usage.
• Sri Lanka: Implemented a four-day work week and a National Fuel Pass to manage chronic shortages.
• South Korea & Taiwan: Facing significant drops in supply for diesel and gas due to high reliance on Middle Eastern imports passing through the affected strait.
• Kenya: Heavily affected by rising prices and panic buying, as it relies on Middle Eastern imports.
• Europe: Particularly the UK and Ireland, facing shortages of jet fuel and diesel, with warnings that the crisis could worsen as summer approaches. 

• 
  

Key Causes of Shortages:

• Strait of Hormuz Blockade: The closure of this key shipping lane has disrupted 20% of global oil supplies.
• Export Restrictions: Major producers like China and Thailand have restricted fuel exports to ensure their own supplies.
• Panic Buying: Increased demand due to fear of shortages is accelerating the depletion of available fuel, particularly in Asia. 

• 
  

Countries with Minimal Immediate Impact:

• United States: Insulated from shortages due to high domestic production, though facing higher prices.
• China & Japan: Better positioned due to large strategic oil reserves (83 and 99 days of cover, respectively). 

• 
  

• Southeast Asia is being hit hard by Iran's cutoff of oil and gas

  Mar 26, 2026 — Southeast Asia is being hit hard by Iran's cutoff of oil and gas : NPR. ... Southeast Asia is being hit hard by Iran's cutoff of o...

  

  

  NPR

• 
  

Show all

The Countries Most In Danger Of Running Out Of Oil - Forbes

Mar 17, 2026 — The United States, as the world's biggest oil and natural gas producer, is somewhat insulated from supply shocks. Prices for gasol...

Forbes

Southeast Asia shuts offices, limits travel as oil crisis deepens

Mar 12, 2026 — Southeast Asia shuts offices, limits travel as oil crisis deepens. Countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam heavily depend on fuel ...

Al Jazeera