(30 April 2026 \u2013 Asia) Energy disruptions from the US\/Israel \u2013 Iran War are forcing governments across Asia to reassess their reliance on imported fossil fuels, with important implications for major banks and financiers.<\/p>\n
Corporates and policymakers are reviewing energy security closely as fears grow that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could become further protracted. Were this to occur it will likely accelerate the push toward decarbonisation.<\/p>\n
Momentum is building in climate finance as Japan looks for ways to reduce long-term exposure to oil volatility. Sustainability-related bond issuance is set to stabilise this year after two years of decline, with fossil fuel tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf strengthening the case for diversification in the resource-poor country.<\/p>\n
Importantly a Japanese owned crude oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to Japan signalling the first time that a crude oil tanker headed directly for Japan has left the Persian Gulf since operations against Iran began on 28 February.<\/p>\n
Indonesia, one of the world\u2019s largest coal producers, is also signalling a shift. President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to accelerate his country\u2019s energy transition, framing the global oil crisis as a wake-up call for Southeast Asia\u2019s largest economy.<\/p>\n