By Blessing Nweke
The government of Singapore has directed public sector employees to set office air-conditioning to at least 25°C (77°F) as the country responds to rising energy costs linked to the ongoing Iran war.
Authorities say the move is part of broader efforts to conserve energy as global fuel supply chains tighten, particularly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil and gas shipments. The city-state will also install energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and smart sensors, across public offices.
Singapore joins regional neighbours like Thailand, which has similarly encouraged citizens to keep air-conditioners between 26°C and 27°C to reduce electricity demand.
Air-conditioning has long been central to Singapore’s development. The late Lee Kuan Yew once described it as transformative, crediting it with enabling productivity in the tropical climate. Today, most offices, public transport systems, shopping malls, and homes in the country rely heavily on cooling systems—often set at very low temperatures.
However, officials say such practices are no longer sustainable amid volatile fuel prices. The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment noted that “each degree raised reduces energy needs by around 10%,” urging workers to limit usage, switch to fans where possible, and rely more on public transportation.
While fuel prices have already risen, Singapore has not yet tapped into its reserves or introduced rationing. Still, authorities warn that further economic disruptions may follow as the crisis continues.
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