Madagascar’s presidency declared a two-week nationwide state of energy emergency on Tuesday, citing severe fuel shortages stemming from the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Officials confirmed the cabinet decision following concerns that dwindling supplies could trigger public unrest.
The Indian Ocean island relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports to power its electrical grid. While global markets saw a ceasefire announced overnight, the government expects supply chain disruptions to persist for the foreseeable future.
Government powers expanded
Authorities have not yet outlined the specific technical measures they plan to enforce. However, the government stated it now possesses the necessary legal authority to stabilize the power sector, manage fuel consumption, and ensure the continuity of essential public services.
Local reports indicate that the announcement triggered panic buying at petrol stations on Wednesday. In response, some stations have begun rationing fuel to individual motorists, even as official retail prices remain stable.
Most of the nation's oil arrives from Oman, situated south of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical maritime chokepoint has faced significant instability since the conflict began on February 28. Energy analysts warn that repairing damaged supply capacity in the region could take months, if not years.
Last year, persistent power and water shortages in Madagascar served as a catalyst for youth-led protests. This unrest eventually widened, contributing to a military takeover that left the country’s political landscape fragile.
Madagascar is not alone in its struggle to buffer the economic shockwaves of the conflict. Several other African nations have implemented emergency measures to manage the crisis. In The Gambia, officials have suspended all non-essential government travel, while Zambia has moved to suspend taxes on petrol and diesel imports. Botswana has similarly scrapped fuel levies for a six-month period to protect consumers from rising costs.
