Kuala Lumpur, 13 August 2026 – Malaysia is converting its long-standing policy of non-alignment into an increasingly valuable energy-security asset as conflict in West Asia disrupts shipping lanes, lifts fuel costs and forces import-dependent economies to compete for alternative supplies.
The pressure is material. Malaysia consumes about 700,000 barrels of oil a day while producing roughly 350,000 barrels, leaving the country reliant on imported crude and refined products. Nearly 40% of its crude imports normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a route carrying about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Disruption since the conflict began in late February has therefore affected both physical supply planning and the fiscal cost of shielding consumers.
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