Energy prices, cost of living top ASEAN energy transition concerns

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Rising energy prices and the cost of living remain the biggest concerns in Southeast Asia regarding the transition to renewable energy and the phase-down of fossil fuels, a regional survey revealed on Thursday.

Commuters drive past commercial and residential buildings during the early evening rush hour traffic in Bangkok, Thailand, September 4, 2026. /VCG

About 44.6% of respondents cited surging energy prices and living costs as their biggest concerns, according to the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey Report 2026, launched by Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

This was followed by concerns over energy shortages, cited by 26.1% of respondents, the report said.

Compared with the 2024 survey, the share of respondents concerned about rising energy prices and the cost of living fell from 52.4% to 44.6% in 2026.

At the same time, concern over energy shortages rose from 20.3% in 2024 to 26.1% in 2026. The report said these concerns may reflect disruptions caused by energy shocks and geopolitical events in recent years.

The 2026 survey gathered the views of 3,706 respondents across 11 ASEAN member states. It was the first edition to include respondents from Timor-Leste, ASEAN's newest member.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

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