Southeast Asia in April 2026: the most important developments in economy
In Southeast Asia in April 2026, fuel supply and prices dominated economic news as the Iran war disrupted energy flows. AirAsia cut 10% of its flights and raised some fares by up to 40%, Thai AirAsia grounded routes, and Thai Airways said it would cut 46 flights in May. Singapore told government offices to limit air-conditioning, the Philippines ordered fuel subsidies for public transport, and Thailand's prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended the government's fuel policy. Tankers carrying Iraqi crude reached Thailand and Malaysia, and Petronas extended its fuel supply assurance for Malaysia through June. Malaysia's prime minister said Petronas had become a net importer of fuel. Singapore-listed Olam separately agreed to sell its IT services unit Mindsprint to Wipro for $483 million. On April 14 the Monetary Authority of Singapore allowed a stronger Singapore dollar and raised its 2026 inflation forecasts, citing energy price shocks. The Philippine central bank forecast inflation above its 4% target until 2027.
Vietnam pushed large infrastructure and investment projects. It broke ground on its first high-speed railway, linking Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, and proposed a $2 billion expressway toward the Chinese border. Samsung said it would invest $4 billion in a chip packaging site, and TikTok pledged $125 million in Ho Chi Minh City. FTSE Russell confirmed Vietnam's reclassification to emerging market status.
On trade and industry, Malaysia said it was open to Chinese car investment, and four Chinese automakers entered Indonesia's top ten by sales. Chery opened a plant in Thailand. Indonesia floated a ship tax in the Malacca Strait, which Singapore opposed, and its finance minister later said he was not serious about it. The US imposed sanctions on a Cambodian senator and 28 others over alleged romance scams. OCBC was reported as lead bidder for HSBC's Indonesia assets, and Air India asked shareholders Tata and Singapore Airlines for more funds after a $2.4 billion loss.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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