Last mentioned: Mar 26, 2026
Regional Coal Pivot
India, South Korea, and SE Asian nations officially increase coal usage to cover energy shortfalls.
Iran Conflict Escalates
War disrupts shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, slashing LNG availability.
US LNG Push
United States expands LNG exports to Asia as a cleaner alternative to coal.
China Coal Expansion
China builds record coal capacity to ensure energy security ahead of global volatility.
The escalating conflict in Iran has severely restricted the flow of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing major Asian economies to revert to coal-fired power. This strategic shift to ensure energy security is delaying decarbonization goals across India, China, and Southeast Asia while highlighting the region's vulnerability to Middle Eastern geopolitical shocks.
Indonesia is aggressively consolidating state control over its dominant nickel reserves through massive land seizures and regulatory crackdowns. While Jakarta aims to anchor a domestic electric vehicle industry, a global pivot toward nickel-free battery chemistries and intensifying US-China competition threaten the long-term payoff of its strategy.