The government attributed the crisis directly to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has choked energy supplies…reports Newsdesk
Madagascar has declared a 15-day state of energy emergency across its entire territory, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to send shockwaves through global fuel supply chains and into some of the world’s most vulnerable economies.
The Malagasy government said the emergency declaration would allow for rapid and targeted measures to restore energy supplies, ensure the continuity of essential services and maintain the functioning of the national economy. The crisis, it warned, was also threatening public order, security and institutional stability.
In a presidential communique, the government attributed the crisis directly to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has choked energy supplies reaching the island nation. Since mid-March, petroleum stations across Madagascar have faced insufficient storage capacity or temporary stock shortages. The country depends heavily on imported refined petroleum, particularly from Oman.
Madagascar is not alone. Several African governments have responded to surging global oil prices — driven by the Iran conflict — by implementing sharp fuel price increases, energy-saving measures or electricity rationing.
The crisis comes as diplomatic efforts to end the Gulf conflict gathered pace. Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced he had agreed to suspend planned military strikes on Iran for two weeks, linking the pause to Tehran’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations toward a broader peace deal.
Trump said the decision followed conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged restraint as tensions escalated. “Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump said, describing the move as part of a double-sided ceasefire.
The announcement signals a temporary halt in what had been shaping up as a major escalation in the Gulf. Trump asserted that US military goals had already been achieved.
For countries like Madagascar, however, the damage is already being felt — and the next two weeks will be critical.
