How are Singaporeans responding to the Middle East conflict?

YouGov survey shows shift toward savings, promotions, and reduced discretionary spending.

Singapore consumers are adjusting spending and travel habits in response to rising costs and uncertainty linked to the ongoing US-Israel–Iran conflict, according to YouGov’s Public Sentiment Tracker.

The survey found that 38% of respondents said they were relying more on deals, vouchers, and promotions to manage higher daily expenses. Another 31% said they were increasing savings or holding more cash reserves.

About 26% said they had switched to alternatives such as public transport to cope with rising fuel costs, whilst 20% reported delaying travel plans.

Travel-related adjustments were also common, with 15% cancelling trips to affected areas and 13% changing destinations or paying more for future travel arrangements.

A small percentage at 10% also decided to continue with their travel plans whilst the same amount also discussed a household plan with family members.

Another 8% said they were spending more on travel insurance as well as rechecking their emergency contacts and important documents.

Despite the uncertainty, YouGov notedthere was limited evidence of panic buying with only 12% of respondents saying they had stocked up on supplies due to the conflict.

Amongst those who did, long shelf-life food products were the most commonly purchased item, followed by medication, hygiene products, and bottled water.