adminPM Anwar warns of possible fuel and food price increases as regional tensions threaten energy supplies
Kuala Lumpur — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said his government is actively working to secure the release of Malaysian oil tankers and crew members affected by the growing disruption in the strategically important shipping route.
Speaking on the development, Anwar said efforts were ongoing to ensure the vessels and the workers involved can safely continue their journey back home.
“We are in the process of securing the release of the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so they can continue their journey home,” he said.
However, the Prime Minister did not disclose the exact number of Malaysian-linked vessels that have successfully passed through the strait, nor did he explain the specific conditions under which they were allowed safe passage.
The Malaysian government, known for maintaining a largely non-aligned foreign policy, has yet to provide further official details on the matter.
Global Energy Route Under Pressure
The affected waterway remains one of the most critical shipping corridors in the world, handling roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. Any disruption in the strait is widely seen as a serious threat to global energy markets and supply chains.
Although Malaysia has felt the effects of the instability, Anwar said the country is in a relatively stronger position compared to many others, largely due to the role of Petronas, the state-owned oil and gas giant.
Malaysia remains one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, giving it some buffer against energy shocks. Still, the country is not entirely shielded, as it depends heavily on imported crude oil — with nearly 70 percent of its crude supply coming from the Gulf region.
Government Considers Fuel Conservation Measures
In response to the growing pressure on energy and supply systems, Anwar revealed that the government is preparing a number of fuel-saving measures aimed at reducing domestic strain.
Among the steps under consideration are:
Cutting the monthly quota for subsidised petrol
Gradually introducing work-from-home arrangements for civil servants
Selective energy conservation policies
According to the Prime Minister, the disruption is already having a wider economic effect beyond just fuel supply.
“Food supplies are affected; prices will certainly rise. Fertiliser as well, and of course, oil and gas,” Anwar said.
He added that while some countries are facing more severe consequences, Malaysia cannot afford to ignore the risks.
“There are steps we need to take. There are countries whose impacts are far worse than ours, but that does not mean we are spared entirely,” he said.
Iran’s Position Raises Fresh Concerns
Iran has maintained that the strait remains open to vessels not considered aligned with the United States or Israel, but Tehran has also insisted it has the authority to regulate traffic in the area.
Iranian authorities have reportedly acknowledged responsibility for at least two out of 20 documented attacks on commercial vessels operating in the region, further escalating fears among shipping operators and energy markets.
In addition, Iran’s parliament is reportedly pushing legislation that would introduce a toll system for vessels transiting the strait. There have also been reports that some ships were asked to pay as much as $2 million to guarantee safe passage.
Slight Increase In Ship Movement
Despite the tense security environment, maritime intelligence firm Windward reported a slight increase in vessel movement through the route.
According to ship tracking data from automatic identification systems, five vessels were seen transiting the strait on Wednesday, compared to four ships recorded the previous day.
The modest rise may signal cautious attempts by shipping operators to resume movement, though uncertainty remains high.
Why It Matters
The situation is being closely watched by governments, energy traders, and shipping firms around the world, as prolonged instability in the strait could lead to:
Higher global fuel prices
Rising food and fertiliser costs
Increased shipping insurance rates
Fresh supply chain disruptions
For Malaysia and many other economies, the unfolding crisis highlights just how vulnerable global trade and energy systems remain to geopolitical tensions in key maritime corridors.
PressNGR
