No Fuel or Gas Shortages Expected Despite Middle East Conflict, Minister Says

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said today that the Maldives will not face any shortages of fuel or gas due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, assuring that essential food staples will also remain available without interruption.

Speaking at a press conference, Saeed acknowledged that international oil markets experienced sharp fluctuations, with prices rising by 25 to 30 percent yesterday. He noted that oil is typically among the first commodities affected by instability in the Middle East and added that gas supplies have also been impacted amid the current conflict. The war, he said, has had broader effects across global goods markets.

“As the President noted yesterday, we have no cause for concern at present. To put it briefly, we will not run out of fuel. I am referring to both LPG and oil when I say this,” Saeed said.

The minister explained that the Maldives plans its fuel requirements in advance to manage such risks and that authorities are closely monitoring global market changes and sourcing options. He added that with the growing number of tourists and expatriate workers in the country, the government is placing increased emphasis on ensuring food and energy security.

Saeed said plans are being developed to expand storage capacity beyond previous levels, while the government is also exploring alternative logistics and transport routes to safeguard the nation’s supply chains in response to evolving global conditions.

The remarks follow an earlier statement issued Saturday by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, which said it is closely monitoring global food markets and supply chains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that have affected cargo vessels travelling through the Suez Canal corridor.

In that statement, the ministry said it is working with stakeholders in the transport and logistics sector to assess disruptions to international freight systems and is preparing measures to address potential interruptions to import routes used by the Maldives.

Recent developments in the region have underscored volatility in global energy markets. International media reported that satellite imagery showed the aftermath of an Iranian drone attack targeting the Ras Tanura Refinery, one of the world’s largest oil export facilities owned by Saudi Aramco.