Anwar to Meet Putin as Malaysia Seeks Stable Oil and Gas Supplies
MUAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as Malaysia moves to strengthen long-term assurances on oil, gas and energy supplies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and volatility in global energy markets.
Anwar said the meeting, which will take place in Kazan, Russia, is part of a broader gathering involving ASEAN leaders and Putin, with energy security expected to be among the key issues discussed.
According to him, maintaining good relations with major energy-producing countries is crucial to ensuring Malaysia continues to enjoy stable fuel supplies in the years ahead.
“God willing, I will travel to Kazan tomorrow for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and several ASEAN leaders.
“One of our priorities is to ensure that oil and energy supplies to Malaysia remain secure,” he said while speaking at a hi-tea event with fishermen, farmers and local residents at Pantai Leka in Parit Jawa here today.
Anwar said Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with energy-producing nations form an important pillar of the government’s strategy to safeguard national energy security amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Although Malaysia is not facing supply disruptions at the moment, he said the government cannot afford to be complacent as several neighbouring countries are already experiencing fuel shortages.
“Malaysia is fortunate that we are not facing such difficulties.
“But we have seen countries in this region where hundreds of petrol stations have been forced to close due to insufficient fuel supplies,” he said.
Anwar warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions involving major world powers could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets.
He pointed specifically to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, saying any disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly affect global oil supplies.
“If the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted or closed, the consequences will be felt around the world.
“Malaysia will certainly not be spared because higher global oil prices will eventually affect us as well,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government is closely monitoring developments and taking precautionary measures to ensure the country’s energy needs remain protected.
He also noted that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is involved in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions among the countries involved and expressed hope that a peaceful resolution could be reached soon.
At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia remains fortunate to have one of the lowest fuel prices in the world due to the government’s subsidy policies.
He said continued subsidies for RON95 petrol have helped shield Malaysians from the sharp increases in fuel prices experienced elsewhere.
Apart from Russia, Malaysia is also strengthening energy cooperation with other countries, including Turkmenistan.
Anwar said national oil company Petronas is continuing strategic collaboration with the Central Asian nation to secure long-term gas supplies for Malaysia.
He stressed that the government will continue diversifying the country’s energy sources and expanding international partnerships to ensure Malaysia remains resilient in the face of future economic and geopolitical uncertainties
