Singapore households are set to feel the pinch as electricity and gas tariffs rise from April to June 2026, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) has announced. The increases come amid continued volatility in global energy markets, driven largely by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
What's Changing?
The EMA confirmed that both electricity and gas tariffs will be adjusted upward for the second quarter of 2026. While the exact figures vary depending on your energy provider, the authority has warned that even sharper increases could be on the cards later in the year as fuel prices are expected to remain elevated for the foreseeable future.
For the average four-room HDB household, the quarterly electricity bill is expected to rise by several percentage points. Gas tariffs, which are closely linked to global natural gas prices, will also see a corresponding uptick.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
The primary driver behind the tariff increases is the ongoing US-Israeli military conflict with Iran, which has been roiling global energy markets for over a month now. The disruption to oil and gas supplies from the Middle East region has pushed crude oil prices to multi-year highs, and Singapore — which imports virtually all of its energy — is particularly exposed to these price swings.
Oil prices have surged significantly since the conflict escalated in early March, with Brent crude trading well above US$100 per barrel. This has had a cascading effect on everything from electricity generation costs to transport fuel prices across the region.
Impact on Daily Life
The energy price hikes are part of a broader trend of rising costs affecting Singaporeans. Grab has already announced a temporary 40-cent increase in its fuel surcharge, effective until May 31, as ride-hailing drivers contend with higher petrol costs. Food delivery prices are also expected to creep upward as operational costs increase.
Beyond transport, the oil price spike is making a wide range of goods and services more expensive in Singapore. From hawker food to groceries, businesses that rely on energy-intensive processes or imported ingredients are passing on the higher costs to consumers.
Silver Lining: Government Rebates
The timing is not all bad news, however. The government has confirmed that over one million Singaporean households will receive utility, service, and conservancy charge rebates starting in April. Eligible households can look forward to up to $190 in U-Save rebates and up to a month of service and conservancy charge (S&CC) rebates, providing some cushion against the rising bills.
What You Can Do
Energy experts recommend several practical steps to manage your electricity bills during this period. Switching to energy-efficient appliances, using fans instead of air conditioning where possible, and being mindful of standby power consumption can all help reduce your monthly outlay. Comparing electricity plans on the Open Electricity Market can also help you find a more competitive rate.
With the Middle East situation showing no signs of a quick resolution, Singaporeans should brace themselves for a period of elevated energy costs. The EMA has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and will adjust tariffs quarterly to reflect market conditions.
