According to a regional survey, rising energy prices and increased cost of living continue to be the most significant concerns in Southeast Asia regarding the transition to renewable energy sources and the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels.
Data from the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey Report 2026, presented on Thursday, indicated that about 44.6% of respondents cited sharp increases in energy prices and living expenses as their main worry.
Next on the list of concerns were energy shortage issues, noted by 26.1% of survey participants. The report also showed changes in trends compared to the 2024 study.
The proportion of respondents concerned about rising energy prices and the cost of living decreased from 52.4% in 2024 to 44.6% in 2026. Simultaneously, the level of concern regarding energy scarcity increased from 20.3% in 2024 to 26.1% in 2026.
The report suggests that these shifts in concern levels may reflect the consequences of recent energy shocks and geopolitical events. This 2026 study gathered opinions from 3706 respondents across 11 ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, which is the newest ASEAN member.