Madagascar declares state of emergency over severe fuel shortages linked to Iran war

The presidency says it is taking action as it fears fuel shortages could lead to public disorder. Madagascar declares state of emergency over severe fuel shortages linked to Iran war Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. News of the state of emergency has reportedly led to panic buying at some petrol stations Petrol attendant busy inserting the nozzle in the vehicle at a filling station Madagascar has declared a two‑week nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages caused by the US and Israel's war in Iran. The presidency said the decision was taken following Tuesday's cabinet meeting over fears the situation could lead to public disorder. The Indian Ocean island, which relies on oil to produce much of its electricity, is dependent on fuel imports from the Middle East - and supplies are likely to be disrupted for sometime despite the two-week ceasefire announced overnight. The Indian Ocean island, which relies on oil to produce much of its electricity, is dependent on fuel imports from the Middle East - and supplies are likely to be disrupted for sometime despite the two-week ceasefire announced overnight Last year, persistent power and water shortages in Madagascar led to youth-led protests, which escalated to broader political unrest, resulting in a military takeover. It is not clear exactly what measures the government intends to take - but it says it now has the powers to stabilise the country's power sector, mitigate further disruptions, manage consumption and ensure continuity of public services. A woman with long hair tied in a high pony tail, filling a dark green car with petrol at a petrol station in Nairobi, Kenya. She is standing to the side so her face is partially visible Rationing power and diluting petrol - how African countries are coping with effects of Iran war So far fuel prices have not increased since the crisis began though there have been shortages with reports of drivers queuing for hours. News of the state of emergency led to panic buying at some petrol stations on Wednesday - with some reportedly rationing how much each customer can buy, according to local media. Most of Madagascar's oil comes from Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz - the key global energy shipping route that has been affected by war that started on 28 February. Nonetheless, the price of oil remains considerably higher than before the conflict and analysts say it could take months or even years to repair the damage done to supply capacity in the region. Madagascar is among several African countries taking urgent action to stem the affects of these disruptions. Some have resorted to raising or subsidising fuel prices and rationing electricity. The Gambia has just ordered the immediate suspension of all non‑essential official travel by government officials, days after Senegal implemented a similar move. The Gambia has just ordered the immediate suspension of all non‑essential official travel by government officials, days after Senegal implemented a similar move Zambia recently suspended taxes on petrol and diesel imports, while Botswana scrapped fuel levies for six months to cushion consumers from price rises. A woman refuels their motorcycle at a Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited station in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 26, 2026 Oil prices plunge and shares jump on US-Iran ceasefire plan President Donald Trump conducts a news conference in the White House briefing room about the war in Iran on Monday, April 6, 2026. Iran ceasefire deal gives Trump a way out of war - but at a high cost A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Col Randrianirina, who seized power last year, did not give a reason for dissolving his government. Conservationists have been displaced after a tropical cyclone that devastated much of the island. Six firefighters from across London were part of a 36‑strong UK ISAR team. The state department has also authorised non-emergency embassy staff to leave on security grounds. The foreign minister says the accusations, involving children, were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated. Ex-President Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule was known for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Very few people are ever prosecuted following terror attacks with suspects often held without trial. The government usually refrains from commenting on the participation of its citizens in the conflict.