PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will negotiate with Russia to secure sufficient oil supplies for Malaysia.
Speaking at the opening of the new Sultan Ismail Petra Airport terminal in Pengkalan Chepa, Anwar noted that many European and American nations that once sanctioned Russia are now competing to purchase its oil.
He emphasised Malaysia’s advantage in maintaining good relations with Moscow, enabling Petronas to pursue direct negotiations.
“Fortunately, our relations with Russia remain good. So… the Petronas team can negotiate with Russia,” he said.
Anwar also revealed that early diplomatic efforts ensured Malaysian oil tankers were among the first to pass through the critical Strait of Hormuz, avoiding major disruptions to energy supply.
A Petronas vessel Ocean Thunder has arrived in Malaysia carrying one million barrels of crude oil from Basrah, Iraq. The shipment forms part of a broader supply network managed by the national oil company to ensure stable fuel availability nationwide.
“Ocean Thunder also carries a portion of the 38% of national crude oil imports that transit the Strait of Hormuz. Malaysia’s fuel supply is drawn from multiple sources across Petronas’ wider supply network.
“This allows Petronas to confirm that fuel supply across its stations nationwide is sufficient through the end of June 2026,” the oil-and-gas giant said in a statement on its Instagram account. — April 18, 2026
Main photo credit: The Star
