The world’s third-largest oil importer had not received shipments from Iran since May 2019, when U.S. pressure led buyers to halt purchases, but recent supply strains stemming from the U.S.-Israel conflict have tightened availability for the South Asian nation.

“Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports,” the ministry said in a statement on X, indicating that financial channels for such transactions are currently functioning.

The development follows a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil and refined products last month aimed at alleviating global supply shortages, according to the report.India said it has secured its full crude oil requirements for the coming months, adding that refiners retain flexibility to source supplies from more than 40 countries based on commercial considerations.

In addition to crude, India has imported 44,000 metric tons of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas carried on a sanctioned vessel that berthed at the western port of Mangalore on Wednesday and is currently discharging cargo, the ministry said.

The region, which imports more than 80% of crude shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has been hit hard after disruptions linked to Iran’s actions since the conflict began on Feb. 28, tightening global supply and pushing policymakers to consider demand-curbing steps.

No country has formally reinstated remote work mandates, but officials say such measures are under active review. South Korea’s Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said authorities would consult relevant ministries on expanding work-from-home policies, aligning with recommendations from the International Energy Agency.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol reiterated calls this week for reduced travel and remote work, citing earlier precedents such as Europe’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where demand management helped offset supply disruptions.

South Korea has also launched a public campaign encouraging households to cut energy use, including reducing shower times and shifting electricity consumption to off-peak periods.

Across the region, governments have begun implementing targeted measures to stretch limited fuel supplies. The Philippines has shortened the work week for some public offices, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declaring a national energy emergency over risks to supply.

Pakistan has temporarily closed schools and expanded remote work for office staff, while Sri Lanka introduced a weekly public holiday to conserve fuel.Other economies are focusing on efficiency measures rather than mobility restrictions.

Singapore has urged businesses and households to adopt energy-efficient appliances, increase air-conditioning temperatures and accelerate electric vehicle usage.

In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to limit overseas travel, adjust office cooling levels above 25°C and adopt remote work where possible.

The policy responses echo pandemic-era strategies aimed at reducing energy demand, as governments across Asia attempt to cushion the economic and supply shocks stemming from the ongoing conflict.