Anwar Heads to Russia With Fuel Security High on Agenda Amid Global Uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR, June – 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim begins his working visit to Russia today with national fuel security expected to be one of the main issues on the agenda.

Anwar is scheduled to hold an important meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Malaysia’s oil and diesel supply continuity will be among the key matters discussed.

Speaking at a hi-tea event with the fishing community, farmers and local residents at Pantai Leka Food Court in Muar yesterday, Anwar said the visit would be used to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term energy security.

According to Anwar, one of the issues he intends to emphasise during his meeting with Putin is the need to ensure that oil supplies can continue to be channelled to Malaysia. He said this reflects the benefit of maintaining good diplomatic relations with other countries.

The visit also involves engagement between ASEAN leaders and the Russian leadership, making energy cooperation and regional supply stability an important part of the broader discussion.

Anwar said Malaysia must take proactive steps to protect its long-term fuel supply, especially as several neighbouring countries in the ASEAN region have already started experiencing supply disruptions.

The Prime Minister also said Malaysia’s sound economic management and strong international relations have helped the country maintain one of the world’s lowest domestic retail fuel prices, particularly RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre.

Energy security has become a major national concern as global tensions continue to affect oil routes, shipping costs and supply stability. In May, Anwar said Malaysia’s petrol supply was expected to remain stable until at least July despite disruptions affecting energy routes and rising shipping costs.

He previously said Malaysia’s fuel stability was supported by strong international ties and continued access to key maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Any disruption along this route could affect global oil supply, increase shipping and insurance costs, and place pressure on domestic fuel prices.

Anwar also expressed concern over geopolitical tensions in West Asia following attacks involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which he said had led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that disruptions along the strategic route would directly affect Malaysia’s economy through higher global oil prices.

According to Anwar, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the impact would eventually reach Malaysia and could cause oil prices to rise. However, he said oil prices had started to decline slightly as of yesterday.

The Prime Minister also said he had received information from Pakistan’s Prime Minister suggesting that the armed conflict could potentially be resolved soon, with the possibility of an agreement being signed by Friday.

While the situation remains uncertain, Anwar said Malaysia must continue to strengthen ties with key partners to protect domestic supply and avoid sudden disruptions.

The Russia visit therefore carries both diplomatic and economic importance. For Malaysia, the discussion with Moscow is not only about bilateral relations, but also about securing reliable fuel supply at a time when global energy markets remain unstable.

Malaysia has been actively managing fuel security through diplomatic engagement, supply coordination and domestic price support. In May, Anwar said diesel supply remained sufficient, although he acknowledged that earlier issues involved diesel shortages even when oil supplies were available.

He also said higher global shipping and insurance costs had affected imported goods because many shipments depend on routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

For ordinary Malaysians, fuel security is closely linked to daily living costs. Any increase in oil prices can affect transport, logistics, food prices and business operating costs.

This makes Anwar’s Russia visit especially significant, as the government seeks to keep fuel supply stable while maintaining affordable prices for consumers.

The visit also reflects Malaysia’s wider foreign policy approach, where the country continues to maintain working relations with multiple major powers while prioritising national economic interests.

By engaging Russia directly, Malaysia is looking to secure energy cooperation without depending too heavily on a single supply source or route.

At the regional level, the issue also affects ASEAN. Several countries in the region rely heavily on imported fuel and are vulnerable to global supply disruptions, especially during geopolitical crises.

Anwar’s emphasis on maintaining good relations with other countries suggests that Malaysia sees diplomacy as a key tool in protecting its energy needs.

The Prime Minister’s meeting with Putin is expected to focus on practical cooperation, especially in ensuring that oil and diesel supplies remain available to Malaysia despite global uncertainty.

Anwar’s working visit to Russia comes at a critical time for Malaysia’s energy policy. With global fuel routes under pressure and regional supply disruptions already affecting some neighbouring countries, Malaysia is moving early to secure long-term oil and diesel stability.

The outcome of the visit could play an important role in shaping Malaysia’s energy security strategy, especially if global tensions continue to threaten supply routes and push oil prices higher.