Madagascar declares energy emergency due to fuel shortages

Lusaka, Zambia - Madagascar has declared a national energy emergency on Tuesday (7 April), due to the ongoing Middle East conflict causing major disruptions in energy supplies.

The island nation has reported fuel shortages nationwide, forcing its cabinet to take urgent steps to restore energy supplies and ensure the continuity of public services.

“The declaration of the energy emergency enables authorities to take extraordinary and urgent measures to restore energy supplies and ensure the continuity of public services,” the Cabinet stated.

Several African governments have implemented measures, such as suspending fuel import taxes, in response to the surge in global oil prices triggered by the war between the United States and Israel against Iran.

Zambia has eliminated Value Added Tax (VAT) and suspended customs duties on petrol and diesel imports for three months, effective from 1 April. Meanwhile, Botswana has suspended road levies and fuel charges for six months to protect consumers from rising global oil prices.

Source: Anadolu