Philippines pushes joint power grid as Middle East war threatens ASEAN energy

The Philippines is urging Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia to speed up plans for a shared electricity grid. Manila says the war in the Middle East is putting the region's energy supplies at risk. The proposal, called the ASEAN power grid, would let member states trade electricity across borders. Supporters say it would make power supplies more stable and less dependent on distant fuel sources. The push comes as fighting in the Middle East disrupts global oil and gas markets. ASEAN countries import much of their energy, leaving them exposed to price spikes and shortages. The Philippines wants faster talks with its neighbors on linking their electricity systems. No timeline has been announced.