Russia's invasion of Ukraine is impacting people's lives as far away as Asia, where it has caused the price of cooking oil to spike. That is being felt in kitchens in Indonesia as Ramadan starts in the world's largest Muslim country.

Muslims account for more than 80 percent of Indonesia's population. During the fasting month, they only eat and drink between sunset and sunrise.

Early on Sunday, stalls in Jakarta were crowded with customers buying deep-fried food. But many shops have raised prices or reduced the volume of their products.

The price of cooking oil has skyrocketed up to 70 percent from a year ago as global demand for Indonesian palm oil increases. This comes amid concerns over a shortage of sunflower oil, which is produced mainly in Ukraine and Russia.

Meanwhile, high global oil prices are hurting Southeast Asia's aviation industry. Thailand's low-cost airline Nok Air has canceled round-trip flights between Bangkok and newly opened Betong airport in southernmost Yala Province.

The airport opened in mid-March, but regular commercial flights were suspended just two days later. Nok Air said its decision to shelve the route was due to high jet fuel prices on top of low passenger demand.

Chief Commercial Officer Teerapol Chotichanapibal pointed out fuel accounts for over one-third of Nok Air's costs.

"Anytime this cost rises, it's obviously going to impact operation costs," he said.
Thailand's aviation industry continues to be battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Nok Air and Thai Airways are undergoing court-ordered business rehabilitation.