Smoke rising from the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree near the Strait of Hormuz. Photo credit: Royal Thai Navy/AFP.
Source: RNZ Pacific
The Marshall Islands has declared a 90-day state of economic emergency amid a growing fuel crisis due to the United States and Israel’s war in Iran.
An Executive Order by President Hilda Heine notes that the conflict’s impact in causing an increase in fuel prices ultimately affect all other commodities imported into the Marshall Islands.
“As a nation that relies heavily on imported fuel, food, building materials, and other essential supplies, these increases pose a serious risk to the livelihoods of the people,” Heine’s office said.
According to the executive order, a Recovery Co-ordination Committee, a sub-committee of the National Disaster Council, will be established to conduct regular meetings and monitor impacts of the fuel crisis.
It said all relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies shall work together on a Cabinet-approved Response Plan.
The plan will include energy saving measures and managing fuel consumption.