Madagascar has declared a two‑week nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages caused by the US and Israel's war in Iran. The presidency announced the decision following a cabinet meeting over fears that the situation could escalate into public disorder.
The island, which relies on oil to generate much of its electricity, is dependent on imports from the Middle East, and these supplies are likely to remain disrupted despite a recently announced ceasefire. Last year, ongoing power and water shortages had already led to youth-led protests which escalated into significant political unrest, culminating in a military takeover.
While the government has been empowered to stabilize the power sector and manage consumption, specific measures remain unclear. Despite the crisis, fuel prices have yet to increase, but the public is facing shortages, evidenced by long queues at petrol stations and reports of panic buying. Many stations are even limiting purchases per customer.
Madagascar’s oil primarily comes from Oman, through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy shipping route affected by the conflict that began on February 28. Analysts predict that the damage to supply capacity from the war could take months or even years to rectify, and the price of oil remains significantly higher than prior to the conflict.
In response to these disruptions, several African nations are implementing urgent measures, with some suspending non-essential travel for government officials and others moving to subsidize or adjust fuel prices to shield consumers from potential increases. Madagascar's plight reflects broader regional vulnerabilities to global energy crises.
