Dili, March 19, 2026 (Lusa) - Timor-Leste's prime minister, Xanana Gusmao, declared today his intention to guarantee the supply of fuel and food to the public until the end of this year, citing the conflict in the Middle East.

"The Government will meet with fuel, gas, and petrol importers. We will continue to monitor and study ways to ensure that there is no fuel shortage until the end of the year," Xanana Gusmão told reporters after a meeting with Timor-Leste's president, José Ramos-Horta, at the Presidential Palace.

Nonetheless, the head of government appealed to the public to reduce unnecessary travel.

"We cannot guarantee fuel for two years. But if, for three or four months, people drive from one place to another just for leisure, the fuel will run out. This is not just happening to us, but to the whole world," he said.

Xanana Gusmão also assured that fuel prices are not expected to increase.

"Ensuring that fuel is not lacking does not mean we have total guarantees for all consumption until then, but at least there should be no scarcity," he added.

The prime minister also highlighted that the international conflict could cause food shortages, noting that 45 million people could be affected, a number that could rise to 60 million next month. 

"We must also consider that our own production is still limited," he concluded.

The government also discussed on Wednesday ways to ensure food supplies until the end of the year and is currently seeking solutions.

On 28 February, the US and Israel launched a military attack against Iran, during which the former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei was killed.

Iran has since closed the Strait of Hormuz and launched retaliatory strikes against targets in Israel, as well as US bases and other infrastructure in regional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq.

DPYF/RYOL // AYLS

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