REACH (Telegram) 131 - What are your views on the impact of continued conflict in the Middle East on Singapore’s energy security?
(SK)
01 Apr 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
[1/4/2026 9:46 am] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
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[1/4/2026 10:14 am] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic📢
Singapore households will pay higher electricity and gas tariffs in the second quarter of 2026 due to higher energy costs, with authorities warning of "potentially sharper increases" in the following quarters because of the Middle East conflict.
In a statement on March 31, grid operator SP Group said the electricity tariffs for homes will go up by 2.1 per cent from the previous quarter, to 29.72 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
💬 What are your views on the increase in electricity and gas tariffs? Are you taking steps to reduce your energy usage?
📌 Singapore's reliance on imported energy
Singapore relies heavily on imported energy, with about 95 per cent of its electricity generated using imported natural gas, which is also the main feedstock for the production of town gas, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) said in a media factsheet on 31 March.
The authority noted that the ongoing Middle East conflict has strained global fuel supply chains, causing oil and natural gas prices to increase significantly, with fuel prices set to "remain elevated in the foreseeable future".
An increase in the cost of natural gas would therefore lead to an increase in the prices of electricity and town gas for all consumers in Singapore, it said.
📌 Rise in electricity and gas tariffs
According to the latest available data in October 2025, 63.4 per cent of households paid for their electricity consumption via the prevailing tariff rate, while over 36 per cent had signed up for plans with electricity retailers. Less than 0.1 per cent of households bought electricity at wholesale prices.
Electricity and gas tariffs are only "partially affected by the rise in fuel prices" in the second quarter because the regulated electricity and town gas tariffs for each quarter are determined based on the average fuel costs in the first 2.5 months of the preceding quarter, said EMA.
This means the electricity and town gas tariffs for the April to June period are based on fuel prices from January to mid-March, it added.
The authority said that prices of natural gas started to climb only after Feb 28. EMA reported, “An increase in the cost of natural gas would therefore lead to increase in prices of electricity and town gas for all consumers in Singapore.”
Due to the "extensive disruptions" to oil and natural gas production in the Middle East, fuel prices are set to remain elevated in the foreseeable future, EMA said.
"We are likely to see further and potentially sharper increases in the electricity and town gas tariffs in subsequent quarters," the authority said.
📌 Call to be more energy-resilient
EMA added that consumers on electricity retail contracts are likely to see an increase in prices when renewing their contracts.
The authority said it is closely monitoring the situation and working closely with the industry to ensure supply security.
It said that it could not predict how long the conflict in the Middle East will last and "household and business consumers must therefore be prepared for higher and more volatile energy costs".
EMA said that everyone can play a part by using more energy-efficient appliances and conserving energy to reduce energy consumption.
"This will help lower energy costs and contribute to Singapore's energy resilience."
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/electricity-gas-tariffs-to-go-up-from-april-to-june-sharper-increases-expected-later-in-2026-ema
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/higher-electricity-and-gas-household-tariffs-april-june-energy-and-fuel-costs-rise-6024861
👉 https://www.ema.gov.sg/news-events/news/media-releases/2026/Middle-East-Conflicts-Impact-on-Prices-of-Electricity-And-Town-Gas
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[1/4/2026 10:21 am] Daniel: This seems quite unavoidable considering the global crisis and where the oil/gas prices are headed.
While I understand that lowering my own electricity consumption can reduce my utility bill (and I'm trying to do that as much as possible), it feels a bit disingenuous that zero communication/efforts seem to be done to decrease usage for companies/public infrastructure. I think people have shared in this group before that household consumption is only a minor part.
So I would find it encouraging if some effort would be shown by the government for a whole of country drive to energy saving. Like encouraging raising minimum temperatures for public building AC (and actually implementing those) or encouraging WFH for public servants to lead by example. Currently it feels a bit like: you reduce your consumption to decrease your already small share of the pie while industry, commercial and public sector don't do anything to reduce theirs.
[1/4/2026 10:59 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 1. I am confident in Singapore's energy security measures despite the continued global uncertainties. Share your views in the chat! ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[1/4/2026 11:01 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : 2. I have taken measures to reduce my energy usage. Share your views in the chat! ]
- Yes
- No
- No, but I am prepared to take measures to do so
[1/4/2026 11:09 am] Andrew Goh: Can have more media coverage on the measures to reduce energy usage.
[1/4/2026 11:20 am] G: How about lifting our sanctions on Russia so that we can diversify our energy sources
Imposing sanctions was Russia was done too hastily in the name of "international law" but similar sanction imposing wasn't done on other countries for their actions that ran afoul of "international law"
So it really does look like self sabo to continue sanctioning Russia and limiting our energy sources
[1/4/2026 11:22 am] Adam: Lol singapore also have complies with sanctions on iran too so at that point just make trade free for all
[1/4/2026 11:23 am] LCL (Danny 心):
Source:- Google AI
Businesses in Singapore consume significantly more electricity than households. In 2024, the commerce and services sector (40.2%) and the industrial sector (39.4%) were the largest users, with each sector consuming roughly 23 TWh, while households accounted for only 14.6% of total electricity consumption, or 8 TWh.
Energy Market Authority (EMA) +1
Key Electricity Consumption Details (2024):
Total Consumption: Singapore's electricity usage hit 58 TWh in 2024, representing a 4% increase.
Commerce & Services: 40.2% (approx. 23 TWh).
Industrial: 39.4% (approx. 23 TWh).
Households: 14.6% (8 TWh).
Transport: 5.3% (3 TWh).
Energy Market Authority (EMA) +1
Key Takeaways on Usage:
Industrial/Commercial Dominance: The majority of Singapore's energy usage is driven by economic activity, with the industrial and commercial sectors dominating total demand.
Peak Demand Timing: Peak electricity demand usually occurs in the afternoon, when business and industrial activities are running at full capacity.
Energy Intensity: The commercial and services sector in 2024 grew significantly, making it the largest electricity consumer, narrowly surpassing the industrial sector.
Residential Usage: While households use less in total, energy-hungry appliances such as air conditioning, water heaters, and refrigerators account for 75% of residential consumption.
Energy Market Authority (EMA) +4
Recent Energy Situation (2026):
Higher Costs: The Energy Market Authority (EMA) warned of higher electricity costs for both households and businesses due to Middle East conflicts affecting fuel prices, as 95% of Singapore's electricity is generated from imported natural gas.
Household Impact: Household electricity tariffs are expected to rise, with a 2.1% increase anticipated for the April-June 2026 period.
The Business Times +3
[1/4/2026 11:23 am] G: Individuals are also not the biggest energy consumers
Govt and industries are. Especially when it comes to energy intensive data centres and the associated air-conditioning requirements
Perhaps govt can share with us how they have been limiting their energy consumption in and showcase their efforts on their part of the social compact
[1/4/2026 11:26 am] Adam: Anyone who been through ns or gov knows how wasteful things can be.
There is always a 'use it or lose it' mentality. This might cause a much bigger drain on our resources that could be prevented
[1/4/2026 11:27 am] Adam: Thinking back, there are so many moments that are literally throwing away fuel for no good reason
[1/4/2026 11:29 am] G: Can also see how lighted up common areas like HDB basketball courts etc are.
Not just about the brightness, but also how many lights are installed
Also how many police CCTV cameras are installed in every common area now.. energy usage is not just for each CCTVs, but also the backend data storage and analyses.. more CCTV feeds = higher energy consumption
[1/4/2026 11:30 am] Adam: Cctv and lights are pretty negligible. Doesnt take much to power
[1/4/2026 11:30 am] G: Not saying don't put CCTVs but is there a need to put so many
[1/4/2026 11:30 am] G: CCTV back end required a lot of power. More front end CCTV = more computing load at back end = higher energy consumption
[1/4/2026 11:37 am] LCL (Danny 心):
Tangible results in power savings for my household:-
1. 679 kWh
2. 646 kWh
3. 666 kWh
4. 532 kWh
5. 517 kWh
Steadily reducing my power consumption in my household.
[1/4/2026 11:46 am] G: Ok. Next National Day Awards Investiture can nominate you for some energy award if there's one, or some public service medal 🏅
[1/4/2026 11:51 am] G: As of now, the social compact is very skewed. A lot more is expected out of individuals and households compared to the govt
When fuel costs rise, and increasing cost of business and living, many govts around the world stepped in to control fuel prices
This PAP govt allowed fuel prices to spike. And continue imposing their fuel duties. How is this doing good for the people?
[1/4/2026 11:54 am] Jun Ming: What to do as a consumers nothing much
[1/4/2026 11:55 am] LCL (Danny 心):
1. Business and commercial will automatically go for energy savings mode because the energy costs directly impact their business profits.
2. Some business can for example discourage OT and lights out, aircon out immediately after office hours.
(This is exactly what the bosses do in the previous energy crisis).
3. Likewise for government offices, their budget are pre-budget and usually not cater for such energy crisis.
So in order to save in energy spike costs, most government offices are likely to adopt energy saving measures.
Else if they exceed the budget, they got no money to pay for the government services.
(This is what we do, in the previous energy crisis).
4. Hence commerical, business and government enterprises usually have their energy saving measures kick in when energy cost spikes.
[1/4/2026 11:55 am] Jun Ming: More like wfh so they will use the employee electric bill
[1/4/2026 11:56 am] Jun Ming: So to cut down electric usage in office
[1/4/2026 11:57 am] LCL (Danny 心):
Try to complete your work within office hours and refrain from ot.
[1/4/2026 12:03 pm] Jun Ming: I feel like the world trend is to use more energy. Last time you only need to charge one phone. Now you need to charge many more things. Smart watch Bluetooth earpiece etc
[1/4/2026 12:04 pm] Jun Ming: How things is designed is a fundamental problem
[1/4/2026 12:04 pm] G: We can trust businesses to adopt energy saving measures because they lose profits by being wasteful
How can we trust govt to adopt energy saving measures? Or minimise redundancy (e.g. bouquets of police CCTVs in HDB flats / carparks, MRT stations)
Govt are not impacted by bottom line. In fact, many govt depts just spend because if they don't spend this year's budget, next year will have less money
What's the govt doing for their part of the social compact?
[1/4/2026 12:06 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
5. In energy crisis, the appropriate economic measures is never to reduce fuel tax - because with supply squeeze, the right measures is to reduce demand to conserve energy usage - and prevent drawing from the energy reserves.
6. If the contrary is done by reducing fuel taxes, people will use more fuel and drive down energy reserves - and if the energy is exhausted - the whole country will black out.
7. When this happens, no electricity, cannot treat water for consumption, cannot power up fans, cook, internet, TV, cannot work in office, manufacturing stop, economy stop - human die.
[1/4/2026 12:07 pm] Jun Ming: Human won't die lah at most go back to ancient lifestyle
[1/4/2026 12:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
No water to drink, human die.
No food to eat, raw food, human die.
[1/4/2026 12:07 pm] Jun Ming: We depends on electricity too much
[1/4/2026 12:08 pm] Jun Ming: As long there's sun there will be some form of energy
[1/4/2026 12:08 pm] Jun Ming: Human would not die
[1/4/2026 12:08 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Unless burn charcoal - don't fire come, burn down flats.
[1/4/2026 12:09 pm] G: Correct. Keep the fuel tax. Keep it expensive.
Like that delivery trucks won't run.
Hawker centre no food, no gas. Market supermarket no food no drink. Food and drinks won't get delivered. Human die
[1/4/2026 12:10 pm] Jun Ming: Think of ancient people they don't use fuel they also never die
[1/4/2026 12:10 pm] Jun Ming: Population will dropped definitely
[1/4/2026 12:10 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Government will ensure essential services can continue to run.
But others cannot frivolously use fuel when fuel are in short supply.
Simple logic.
[1/4/2026 12:11 pm] Jun Ming: This is why we are overpopulated
[1/4/2026 12:11 pm] G: Simple logic: Diesel fuel does not run our power stations
Power stations don't pay fuel taxes because they don't buy diesel or petrol to power their stations
[1/4/2026 12:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Unless we live in cave, burn branches, then we can survive.
If HDB flats, we start burning things, the whole flat catch fire.
[1/4/2026 12:17 pm] 365: We are overpopulated, I would want to transition to a lower pop that is lean at the top. I keep suggesting to import PR for labor only but don't transition into citizen, unless got Singaporean children, or applying together, so can slowly fix the structure.
[1/4/2026 12:18 pm] 365: Reducing energy per pax is less sustainable, as energy powers productivity, which we will need if we want to continue having a foothold in this world. It's the only thing we can offer.
[1/4/2026 12:18 pm] Jun Ming: Cause we do not have so many resources to feed so many people
[1/4/2026 12:19 pm] Jun Ming: Think of it if a war happens in Singapore and energy supply cut. How long can we sustain
[1/4/2026 12:20 pm] Jun Ming: For food wise if food supply cut we only can feed our population about 3 days
[1/4/2026 12:20 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Eg. Delivery, cab, phvs etc already levy surcharges to keep essential delivery going.
As for private vehicles, try to use less cars and pump fuel due to high petrol costs to conserve the previous fuel - that are needed for economic survival.
Take public transport.
[1/4/2026 12:21 pm] Jun Ming: Maybe Singapore can innovate on super power saving technology
[1/4/2026 12:21 pm] 365: Yes, it's time to pivot away from the old government model. It worked in the past because Singapore still had a lot of room for growth, but infinite growth is not sustainable.
[1/4/2026 12:22 pm] Jun Ming: Our brain use much less energy then appliances we can innovate such device out
[1/4/2026 12:23 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
To innovate for super power energy source - go for green sustainable energy.
Eg. SMR nuclear reactor thorium based molten salt.
[1/4/2026 12:23 pm] 365: There needs to be a fine balance, so we don't suffer brain drain as well. It's like the 2 is enough campaign, at that time it was necessary, but the inertia of its success brought it to another problem.
[1/4/2026 12:24 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Tiny Nuclear Reactors Could Be the Key to Unlimited Power Across America.
They could rewrite the nation's energy landscape over the next 15 years."
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a70846059/tiny-nuclear-reactors-save-energy/#:~:text=Tiny%20Nuclear%20Reactors,next%2015%20years.
[1/4/2026 12:24 pm] Jun Ming: This is in terms of sourcing more energy
[1/4/2026 12:24 pm] Jun Ming: But we also need to reduce energy usage
[1/4/2026 12:25 pm] Jun Ming: Can we maintain our life quality but not using so many energy
[1/4/2026 12:25 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
If SMR nuclear reactors drive 95% of our energy needs - we will not be fretting now.
[1/4/2026 12:26 pm] Jun Ming: The trend now is we are using more and more energy. Charging a phone is not enough. We have Bluetooth earpiece, smart watches, iot devices that come in package
[1/4/2026 12:26 pm] Jun Ming: These use energy
[1/4/2026 12:27 pm] Jun Ming: And now ai come out. Kaboom more energy usage
[1/4/2026 12:27 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Southeast Asia revisits nuclear power plans for AI data centers as Iran war disrupts energy supplies".
https://apnews.com/article/southeast-nuclear-energy-power-artificial-intelligence-c08108c2c5da7fd263098ff43748eac5#:~:text=Southeast%20Asia%20revisits%20nuclear%20power%20plans%20for%20AI%20data%20centers%20as%20Iran%20war%20disrupts%20energy%20supplies
[1/4/2026 12:28 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
413. I post in REACH (Telegram) [23/3/2026 2:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心):-
6. The winner go to :- SMR thorium based molten salt nuclear reactor.
We only need 10 - 搞定。2 acre of land per 1 SMR.
About 20 acres for 10 SMRs.
To replace the 3 oil refineries in Singapore.
[23/3/2026 1:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Thorium don't use uranium.
It is found in Earth crust, rocks, rivers, valleys, etc.
Thorium react with molten salt to produce uranium-233 as liquid fuel to ignite nuclear fission, produce heat to generate electricity.
Such production produce almost infinite electricity and very high yield.
SMR nuclear reactor thorium based molten salt modules produce 500 MW potentially can reach up to 1.3GW by stacking up and aggregating the modules.
Singapore only needs about 11GW of electricity.
If we have about 10 SMR thorium based molten salt nuclear reactors - Singapore is self sufficient in domestic energy production.
And SMR thorium based molten salt nuclear reactor produce negligible radioactive waste that do not require special dumping because it is always recycle as fuel liquid to produce electricity.
Its danger level is equivalent to managing any petrol refinery or natural gas refinery.
----
Straits Times Published Mar 26, 2026, 11:19 AM Updated Mar 26, 2026, 07:23 PM
NEA to commission nuclear safety studies, including standards for reactor design, operations.
Both NEA and EMA had, in 2025, created dedicated nuclear teams, following Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Budget 2025 speech, in which he said the Singapore Government would be reorganising itself to place “greater emphasis” on capability building in nuclear energy, The Straits Times reported.'
While the Republic has categorically ruled out the possibility of conventional nuclear plants in the country, it is monitoring developments in advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs).
[1/4/2026 12:29 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"NEA to commission nuclear safety studies, including standards for reactor design, operations ".
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/nea-to-commission-nuclear-safety-studies-including-standards-for-reactor-design-operations#:~:text=NEA%20to%20commission%20nuclear%20safety%20studies%2C%20including%20standards%20for%20reactor%20design%2C%20operations%C2%A0
[1/4/2026 12:29 pm] Jun Ming: Imagine if 1kwh can power whole Singapore
[1/4/2026 12:30 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
I think in longer term, chances of Singapore going SMR nuclear reactors - very high.
[1/4/2026 12:34 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
If SMR can supply at least 11GW of Singapore backbone infrastructure energy needs, then:-
1. Household electricity
2. Commercial
3. Industrial
4. Business
5. Government offices
No vexation on energy supply squeeze.
Except cars, lorries, buses, shipping and airlines.
The substitute will be:-
1. SAF - sustainable aviation fuel for aircraft.
2. Palm oil, biofuel - for shipping.
3. EV vehicles or hydrogen gas cars - cars, lorries, bus.
Then we are vexation free - when the next energy supply squeeze.
Because we no longer rely on oil, fuel, natural gas and diesel.
[1/4/2026 12:35 pm] Jun Ming: Nuclear in Singapore is just a matter of time. But the thing we are using same approach, finding more and more energy. However how to increase energy effectiveness is not as much discuss
[1/4/2026 12:36 pm] Jun Ming: This is something to ponder about
[1/4/2026 12:38 pm] Jun Ming: Now even our phones have no plug for wire earpiece
[1/4/2026 12:40 pm] Jun Ming: We have zero energy building why aren't we emphasizing those technology
[1/4/2026 12:44 pm] G: Yes. That's another way govt can do their part of the social compact. Be extra stringent in growing the population and not let it mushroom like the last 25 years
[1/4/2026 12:57 pm] G: How come the energy consumption breakdown does not show how much govt is consuming?
https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/singapore-energy-statistics/chapter3
[1/4/2026 12:57 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Malaysia plans to cut subsidised fuel quota, reports The Edge"
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/malaysia-plans-to-cut-subsidised-fuel-quota-the-edge-says#:~:text=Malaysia%20plans%20to%20cut%20subsidised%20fuel%20quota%2C%20reports%20The%20Edge
[1/4/2026 1:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Even Malaysia that adopted subsidise fuel to win votes as populist measure - is cutting down the subsidy quota - to prevent excessive fuel demand and usage - to prevent their fuel reserves from running dry.
This is the appropriate economic measure in an energy crisis - rather than cutting fuel tax - that will exacerbate the fuel crisis.
[1/4/2026 1:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
My close friend comments:-
Tariffs imposed are first to keep up with rising energy costs and implied impact that users will use less.
But do users really change habits because of higher costs?
If businesses can pass the cost to consumers, then they will do so because it is easy.
There has to be more drastic moves towards energy conservation to prepare for the worsening energy crisis or even a worst case scenario as such rationing.
In the 70s oil crisis, as kids we see engineers coming to remove hdb corridor florescent lights.
Means we were left with alternate light along our hdb corridors. That to us was a clear message, save energy.
I wish to believe our gov has an energy rationing plan. Even if you can pay, willing to pay, we won't have the luxury of switching all lights, air conditioning as we wish. My worry is, this is not in our designs.
I have a sibling who was EEE trained. In his little hdb flat, he bothered to do the electrical wiring for alternating lights - means to conserve when he's alone and wants to conserve.
I think our childhood memory of gov personnel going around to remove alternate hdb corridor lighting. message did set into our minds.
Even energy rationing plans were in place but designs didn't follow, then it would take very long to execute energy rationing.
People are spoilt including myself, tariffs go up unhappy, gov job's (😂), what to do, pay lor etc.. and this is not addressing the root.
[1/4/2026 1:49 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"After Strait of Hormuz opens, turmoil would still last months, analysts say.
Effective shutdown of key waterway could lead to permanent changes in how shipping industry does business".
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/31/after-strait-of-hormuz-opens-turmoil-would-still-last-months-analysts-say#:~:text=After%20Strait%20of,industry%20does%20business
[1/4/2026 1:53 pm] G: Trying to conflate subsidised fuel with fuel duties?
[1/4/2026 1:53 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Thinking aloud.
There are currently 3 viable shipping export routes rank according to the most cost efficient route:-
1. Through Hormuz straits - whereby Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain use these sea routes in which Iran block.
2. All these Gulf States pipe their fuel to Saudi yanbu port - and go via Red Sea.
But houthis (Iran proxy) in Yemen is also guarding this narrow straits.
There is a possibility that Iran is trying to influence houthis to block red sea straits as well.
Also the pipelines from all these Gulf States to Saudi yanbu ports capacity is not as big as supertankers that carry the fuel via Hormuz straits.
3. The 3rd possible route is via Suez canal that go via Israel and Egypt through a very long route that goes around Africa cape of good hope.
Longer distance, longer travelling time and much higher cost.
[1/4/2026 1:55 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Fuel subsidies are government discount.
Fuel tax are government impose tax.
Both are fiscal policy to increase government budget or increase government spendings - with the objective to influence fuel demand and supply.
Both serve the same purpose but in a different ways.
[1/4/2026 2:00 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
However, Gulf States should explore another very viable routes that is often overlook - which should be more cost effective and very unlikely to be block at the Hormuz or the Red sea straits.
This will solves the many decades of geopolitical tension in the Gulf States through many energy war.
[1/4/2026 2:01 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Den den den ....... Drum roll....
Gulf States should increase the pipelines from UAE and Saudi straight into Oman and through Oman ports - will bypass the choke points in Hormuz (Iran control) and Red Sea straits (houthis - Yemen control).
Then all the supertankers will berth at the Oman ports rather than going through Hormuz and the Red Sea.
This will solves the energy crisis once and for all.
The oil pipelines from UAE and Saudi can be buried deep underground - that cannot be bomb or sabotage - by ballistic missiles, drones or artillery bombardment.
But the underground pipelines need to be increase so that capacity can match those supertankers.
[1/4/2026 2:03 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[1/4/2026 2:18 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
The pipelines from UAE and Saudi to Oman is much shorter than the pipelines to Saudi yanbu ports.
Hence it is more cost effective to build.
Also Oman ports can't be block that go straight out to the Arabian Sea unlike Hormuz ports and red sea ports - which are all a very narrow choke points that can be easily block and held hostages.
[1/4/2026 2:22 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Since majority of the oil are bound for Asia consumption.
Middle East and Asia Pacific countries should try to work out these options - rather than be held hostages time and again that keep triggering energy crisis - that cause Global economic crisis.
[1/4/2026 2:33 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Also, Iran may in future levy millions of dollars of toll for ships to pass Hormuz straits - that makes sea passage for oil more expensive.
Hence, coining an alternative route that cannot be blocked will be the long term measures to ensure oil flow are block free.
[1/4/2026 2:34 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
"Iran could emerge from the war stronger and more dangerous.
The Islamic republic aims to set up a toll booth on the Strait of Hormuz. It may succeed".
https://www.ft.com/content/04f6c510-47a8-4e05-99d5-5372fceeb395?syn-25a6b1a6=1#:~:text=Iran%20could%20emerge,It%20may%20succeed
[1/4/2026 3:41 pm] Joomua Tng: so....just a side detour..
recently keep reading news on buses catching fire... mostly due to batteries?
is Singapore ready for more such batteries fire and prevention?
[1/4/2026 4:01 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[1/4/2026 4:24 pm] G: And in SG case, govt never subsidise fuel. They do the opposite.
It's their fuel duties that increase cost of living and cost of business
So are you saying the govt should continue in their policies that unnecessarily increase cost of living and cost of business for Singapore?
What happened to "we first"?
[1/4/2026 4:27 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Source:- Google AI
The Singapore government levies fuel taxes, including a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy for flights departing from October 2026, primarily to promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and meet climate targets. The SAF levy (S$1 to S$41.60) funds the adoption of cleaner aviation fuels, while high petrol duties manage road congestion and encourage green energy adoption.
Facebook +4
Key Reasons for Fuel Levies:
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Levy (Starting Oct 2026):
Decarbonization: Aims to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint by funding the purchase of SAF, often made from waste materials like used cooking oil.
Sustainability Goal: Supports the goal of 1% green jet fuel usage at Changi and Seletar Airports by 2026, aiming to make Singapore a sustainable air hub.
Polluter Pay Principle: Ensures aviation users contribute to sustainability costs, rather than just the airline industry.
Competitiveness: Maintains Changi Airport's status as a leading, future-ready hub.
Petroleum/Fuel Duty (Road Transport):
Congestion Management: High duties encourage the use of public transport and manage traffic congestion.
Environmental Protection: High taxes incentivize the reduction of carbon emissions and promote the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) +4
The SAF levy applies to departing passengers and varies based on distance and class, while transit passengers are exempt to maintain competitiveness.
South China Morning Post +1
[1/4/2026 4:27 pm] G: Put it this way:
In this season, everyday Singaporeans way of life get affected adversely because cost of living has gone up very significantly
But politicians' way of life.. life goes on.
But
If there's less tax money collected, it also would mean lowered GDP numbers since tax transactions are included in GDP growth numbers.. that would negatively affect ministers' bonus numbers
[1/4/2026 4:32 pm] G: So in "we first" everyday Singaporeans are told to lower their standards of living, supposedly "for the greater good"
What about the politicians? Are they willing to lower their salaries in terms of bonuses to be in solidarity with everyday Singaporeans and to walk the talk of their "we first"?
Or just because "already policy" so don't want to do anything that may negatively affect their bonuses?
[1/4/2026 4:33 pm] G: So what..
Does everyday singaporean commute everyday by plane from changi airport?
[1/4/2026 4:34 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
1. I don't drive, fuel tax don't affect me.
2. I take MRT and bus or taxi or phv.
3. Those who buy EV cars no fuel tax.
4. If people drive fuel car and pollute the air, then paying fuel duty is a right course of action to drive green sustainability.
[1/4/2026 4:36 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
5. I stay in HDB flats, I benefit from utilities rebate.
6. And under "We philosophy", I benefited - not affected by fuel tax.
[1/4/2026 4:39 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
7. So in this energy crisis, people should drive less, so as no need to pay the fuel tax - and should take more public transport in the spirit of "We philosophy" and for the public good.
8. Why should the mass subsidies the fuel tax for the minority that drive and pollute the air?
[1/4/2026 4:43 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
9. Last time I used to drive for more than 3 decades, I happily pay the fuel tax - because it is a privilege to drive as a minority while the majority don't have the privilege to drive like me.
[1/4/2026 4:47 pm] Khai Mun L.: Fuel subsidies are not sustainable.. once you give hard to take back. Look at Indonesia and malaysia.
And yes, their fuel is cheap, but so are their salaries. Still want to follow them?
[1/4/2026 4:49 pm] Khai Mun L.: If want to give subsidies, can you expand your reasoning to water? Everyone has to drink water to survive, no petrol, won't die
[1/4/2026 4:51 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Singapore public transport is top notch - every part of Singapore is easily accessible.
Driving is a privilege and not a necessity.
Hence the price to pay for driving has to be factor in if want to enjoy this privilege.
I set aside a sizable chunk of my income when I was driving to enjoy the luxury.
Now I no longer drive, I enjoy the sizable saving and use it on some other things.
I don't complain.
[1/4/2026 4:52 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Else for the majority of people to finance the fuel tax of a few privilege minority that pollute the air - is not "we concept".
It is more like an abuse of privilege.
[1/4/2026 5:06 pm] G: "I don't drive, fuel tax don't affect me" is such a fallacy head in the sand comment.
Ngiam Tong Dow already explained the effects of taxing transportation
Fuel duties, like COE affects everyone because it increases cost of transportation, therefore increases cost of business and cost of living.
[1/4/2026 5:08 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Source :- Google AI
Local public transport, such as buses and trains, operates on diesel or electricity and is subsidized, rather than taxed, to promote commuting and sustainability.
[1/4/2026 5:08 pm] G: Are you trying to conflate?
Not collecting fuel duties is not the same as subsidising fuel.
Subsidising fuel means collecting taxes and using tax money to offset market prices for fuel
Not collecting taxes just means forgoing revenue. No taxes were collected to ensure pump prices are below market rate
[1/4/2026 5:10 pm] G: Well done 👏
Let's nominate you for an award at the next national day awards investitures for your stellar public service
[1/4/2026 5:10 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Forgoing revenue means government got to find revenue from elsewhere - which means got to tax the mass to replace the lost revenue.
This means the mass is indirectly subsidizing the minority who drive and pollute the air.
[1/4/2026 5:11 pm] G: Yes. Got 15 bil surplus. Already collected too much revenue
[1/4/2026 5:12 pm] G: Revenue to fund what?
Fuel coupons / subsidies so as to lower cost of business??
[1/4/2026 5:12 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
Singapore government has done well in fiscal prudence.
Good dry powder to tackle this energy crisis.
[1/4/2026 5:14 pm] G: So hoard money la.
Collect so much extra already.
And how much was fuel duties last year? Just slightly less than 1 bil.. out of 15 bil.
So govt would rather hoard the 6% of surplus collected instead of helping lower cost of living for everyone?
Where's the "we first"?
[1/4/2026 5:16 pm] G: Even if don't want to reduce fuel duties for 92/95/98 petrol. Why not remove for diesel since diesel is the lifeline for business and cost of living?
[1/4/2026 5:18 pm] G: Instead of doing something to take care of singaporeans and exercising "we first", we get this instead:
"What can you do..?"
[1/4/2026 6:04 pm] RY: This Iran/US/Israel middle east war which lead to oil crisis is affecting whole world, not only shortage of energy, but every country survival and economy growth
As energy is vital to any country survival, and also economy growth required energy. With no electricity how factory/production/agriculture/industralisation runs ? All mankinds also required energy consumption, whether at home/work/study for livelihoods, as we depend on energy to operate/run almost everything in life eg phone
[1/4/2026 6:05 pm] REACH Singapore: 📢 Topic 📢
[1/4/2026 6:05 pm] Andrew Goh: EV cars should not have additional fuel tax to increase adoption.
[1/4/2026 6:06 pm] RY: This crisis just like covid, may change the way we re-think/invent/do things/live and etc
[1/4/2026 6:06 pm] Nicholas: Will be good to have more educational articles in the news on how to save electricity. For example, recently read that hybrid use of aircon at higher temperature together with fan helps save electricity and have been doing this at home, didn't know before.
[1/4/2026 6:07 pm] LCL (Danny 心):
EV cars not subjected to fuel tax.
[1/4/2026 6:22 pm] RY: There maybe few main directives ~
1) save energy consumption and educate the public/industry the importance and limited resources such as oil/gas, and learn to save
2) plan for alternative energy sources besides oil/gas eg solar/helium/nuclear/wind/water and etc - dont depend on 1 source of energy to run
3) energy-saving products eg LED light
4) collaborate closely with countries esp those energy suppliers eg middle east/US/russia and etc - in politics no forever friends/enemy
5) consider own energy production in future eg SMR nuclear plant
6) Energy resource storage and reserves - Tuas MegaPort for energy reserves storage
7) Solar energy, as SG so near to Equator and summer all year throughout
Similar as the essential of Water, SG govt has few sources also eg Water Desalination Plant/NeWater/Msia JB Water
[1/4/2026 6:28 pm] RY: https://youtu.be/HeVuAKDtWX8?si=SZ3fMUXX3NHP2F4z
[1/4/2026 6:30 pm] RY: This YTuber has compiled some gd worldwide energy data for further analysis
[1/4/2026 6:50 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
[1/4/2026 6:54 pm] RY: Bless that SG Govt is smart and set up oil refinery at Jurong Island, however SG dont have any natural resources, besides people
Hence SG foreign policy has to be smart too, and not nec to follow sanctions initiated by the western countries always
As ultimately, SG depends many resources from other countries eg food/water/energy and etc
SG Govt may learn a lot fm this Iran/US/Israel war and oil crisis eg military support fm US?/expand energy sources/military drones usage in wars and etc
Read that middle east countries may plan to build pipes like gas to transport/sell oil in future, instead of sea shipment - alternative shipment
Besides Homuz Straits, Red Sea maybe another curb shipment if war expand to Libya n etc
Bless that SG is located at malacca straits, and we are one of biggest trans-shipment port including oil in the world
Hope our govt may see thru USA, that all the recent Trump military actions, his main objective is control the world oil energy eg panama canal/venezuela/greenland/iran invasion and etc,
[1/4/2026 7:02 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
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