On Tuesday, April 7, the government of Madagascar declared a two-week national energy emergency, stating that supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East are triggering a crisis.
According to a report by AFP, the Indian Ocean island is a net fuel importer, with most of its supplies coming from Oman, located south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Council of Ministers decided to declare the state of emergency at an extraordinary meeting after supply disruptions began to affect daily life, the economy, and the functioning of public services, according to a government statement.
“The meeting agreed to declare a national energy emergency throughout the country for a period of two weeks,” the document states.
According to the government, the measure was adopted due to “a deep crisis linked to energy supply disruptions across the country, caused by the war in the Middle East.”
The state of emergency will allow authorities “to take special and rapid measures to restore energy supplies and ensure the continuity of public services,” the statement reads.
Madagascar relies on fuel to generate much of its electricity. Its main supplier is located in Sohar, about 150 kilometers south of the Strait of Hormuz.
This means that shipments do not need to pass through this crucial sea route, but there have still been delays of several days in deliveries.
