KOTA BARU: PETRONAS can negotiate with Russia for oil supply as a proactive measure to ensure the country’s energy reserves remain sufficient for domestic consumption, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this step is viable as several Western nations, which previously imposed sanctions on Moscow, are now re-engaging with Russian energy markets due to economic pressures.
“Alhamdulillah, our relations with Russia remain good. So, in the current situation, our team, including PETRONAS, can negotiate with Russia to meet part of our needs as a friendly nation,” he said when speaking at the official opening of the new terminal of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport here yesterday.
Also present were Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bernama reported.
Anwar said geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States and Europe have a direct impact on the global transport sector, as oil prices and fertiliser supplies are affected.
“Early diplomatic action by the government has also ensured that the country’s oil tankers were among the earliest to pass through critical routes in the Strait of Hormuz, thereby avoiding major disruptions to the national energy supply chain,” he said.
Anwar added that a PETRONAS oil tanker safely arrived at the Pengerang Integrated Complex in Johor on Friday, and that the arrival of the supply is crucial as it is the primary hub for oil refining processes.
He said the success was the result of early engagement by the government with the Iranian leadership, which enabled passage to be granted while international negotiations over the future of the Strait of Hormuz remain deadlocked.
“The global crisis has also led other countries to seek Malaysia’s cooperation, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who recently visited the country to discuss supplies of petrol, diesel and fertiliser,” he said.
However, Anwar stressed that the government’s position is to prioritise the interests of the people and the domestic market before considering any assistance to other countries.
“Domestic needs are given priority. If there is a surplus, we help friendly nations. If not, we focus on our own people first,” he said.
