Go get your own oil in Iran – Trump
Malawi is on the brink of a fuel crisis with indications that pump prices could soon rise as global oil supply disruptions intensify following the United States and Israel war on Iran that resulted in the closure of Strait of Hormuz.
This development comes just hours after United States President Donald Trump urged countries affected by disruptions in oil supply linked to tensions involving Iran to “go and fight in Iran and take the oil.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself; the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Malawi, a United States ally, has not publicly condemned the US and Israel over their ongoing war onIran, unlike some other countries like Spain.
In apparent retaliation, Iran has disrupted activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic corridor through which a significant percentage of the world’s oil passes. While Iranian authorities have denied a full closure of the strait, they have indicated measures targeting what they describe as aggressor nations, including the possibility of introducing a toll system similar to those used in the Panama and Suez canals.
Meanwhile, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has indicated that Malawi could soon face fuel supply challenges and rising prices. In a statement, the authority said it is closely monitoring the situation:
“MERA is closely monitoring ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions to key oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit corridor for petroleum products, as well as global fuel prices. These developments have contributed to increased uncertainty in global fuel supply chains, with potential implications for import-dependent countries like Malawi.”
MERA added that it is making efforts to maintain a stable and reliable fuel supply but did not disclose the specific measures being taken to address the situation. However, inside sources have confided in Malawi24 that the country’s fuel reserves are nearly depleted and may not last beyond one to two weeks.
“The Authority will take appropriate measures in line with its mandate to ensure stability and efficiency in the energy sector,” reads part of the statement.
Energy experts have interpreted the statement as confirmation that Malawi’s fuel reserves are nearly depleted and that it is only a matter of days before long queues similar to those witnessed during the Lazarus Chakwera administration return.
“The statement is a subtle warning of an imminent pump price hike to balance supply and demand” said one source within MERA.
Reports also suggest that while the US had considered deploying troops on the ground, Trump has indicated that he is contemplating ending the conflict even if Iran continues to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s remarks to allies suggest a possible end of the US war on Iran.
Malawi, whose key partners include the US, Israel and the United Kingdom, has not indicated whether it will take any steps to secure its oil supply, including possible military involvement should the US send troops.
However, analysts note that Malawi’s military capacity remains limited compared to Iran’s, with concerns that the Malawi Defence Force has in recent years been affected by corruption and fraud scandals rather than strengthening its defence capabilities.
