Toxic haze linked to wildfires burning in Indonesia is driving a sharp rise in demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers across parts of Southeast Asia, with manufacturers and retailers reporting rapid increases in sales and efforts to meet orders. Several outlets describe families trying to protect indoor air as haze persists for months.
Accounts across the region say the haze worsens respiratory problems and leads to disruptions such as school closures, while air quality declines become a key trigger for purchases. A manufacturer near Kuala Lumpur reports working at full capacity to deliver oxygen bottles. Another outlet cites retailers’ observations that sales rise further as air quality deteriorates, including when conditions worsen starting in August.
While the coverage varies in emphasis—some focus more on medical equipment supply and response capacity, others highlight consumer purchasing and retailer figures—sources broadly agree that demand is spiking as haze intensifies and health concerns increase. The story reflects both the immediate public response to polluted air and the strain on companies supplying related equipment.
