Prices have been going up everywhere. The cost of raw food in the wet market has gone up. Groceries are more expensive and of course, petrol too. Like everyone else, I feel it every week when I realize how quickly my money disappears. I sit at my desk and try to make sense of it. The more I read the news and learn, the more I see that inflation isn't just a local problem. It is also being shaped by global events.
The US-Iran war has disrupted the oil supply throughout the world. A large portion of the world's oil goes through the Strait of Hormuz, and when tensions rise in that region, prices increase.
And how does this affect Malaysia? We are stuck in a middle position. We earn from crude petroleum sold through PETRONAS, and we also import refined petroleum from other countries. So as you can see, the country doesn't reap all the benefits when oil prices increase. More money coming in means more money going out. At the same time, subsidies increase pressure on government spending. The effects are happening gradually, as we notice that food and transportation expenses are increasing. Slowly, we feel life gets harder every day.
Yesterday the prime minister announced that public sector workers will begin working from home to reduce energy use. It does not apply to me, and it reflects the seriousness of the situation. I adjust in my own way.
My old air fryer broke. I thought about buying it again and then I reconsidered buying something else. Now, eating out costs more. For health reasons, I'm using extra virgin olive oil to cook so obviously it's not cheap. Driving out to buy food adds up. I decided to buy an air fryer oven instead because I needed both an air fryer and an oven. This was a more practical choice.
(Sizzling lamb chops!)
I cook most of our meals at home, but it's mostly basic stuff. But with an air fryer oven, I can make more than just simple dinners. I can roast vegetables, bake bread, and make more fancy food. I don't have to spend as much time at the stove stir-frying something, and it uses less oil. I'm not making lifestyle changes but making adjustments when it's necessary.
It costs less to cook at home than ordering takeaway. Over time, these small adjustments add up. When I'm cooking, I don't usually think about what's going on in the world. I'm just managing and navigating my day, but I understand the connection between my life and the global events. When oil prices rise, costs increase, and then our money stretches thinner. I adjust how I spend and how I cook. There are no significant changes, just minor ones that happen over time. Yes, things feel tighter every day and less predictable, but I do what is within my control: cook at home more, reduce what I can, and keep going.
What about you? How do you navigate this energy crisis?
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