Photo: IANS

Antananarivo, April 8: The government of Madagascar has announced a 15-day state of energy emergency across the nation to tackle a significant energy supply crisis.

A presidential statement indicated that the crisis is largely due to the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy supplies and essential services in Madagascar.

This emergency declaration is intended to facilitate swift and focused actions to restore energy supplies, maintain essential services, and ensure the national economy continues to function effectively.

The energy crisis is also affecting public order, security, and the stability of institutions, according to the statement.

The government has pledged to mobilize all necessary resources to mitigate the crisis and its impact on the daily lives of citizens.

Local reports suggest that since mid-March, fuel stations in Madagascar have been struggling with inadequate storage and temporary shortages. The country relies heavily on imports for its refined petroleum, particularly from Oman, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In response to rising global oil prices driven by the conflict in Iran, several African nations have implemented significant fuel price hikes, energy conservation measures, or electricity rationing. The cabinet noted that the decision to declare an emergency was made after recognizing the severe crisis caused by energy supply disruptions linked to the Middle Eastern conflict.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of planned military strikes on Iran, contingent upon Tehran's agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing peace negotiations.

Trump stated that this decision was influenced by discussions with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged for restraint amid escalating tensions.

“If the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I will suspend military actions against Iran for two weeks,” he said, characterizing the move as part of a “double-sided ceasefire.”

This announcement marks a temporary pause in what was escalating into a significant conflict in the Gulf, with Trump asserting that US military objectives had already been met.