Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Trinidad and Tobago currently has enough fuel to meet demand, despite ongoing global uncertainty linked to conflict in the Middle East.

She made the statement in the House of Representatives on April 17 during Prime Minister’s Question Time, in response to a query from Opposition MP and former Prime Minister Stuart Young.

Persad-Bissessar said she had been advised by Paria Trading Company Limited, the state-owned company responsible for importing and supplying refined petroleum products, that supply levels remain sufficient.

“I am advised by Paria Trading Company Limited that at this time, we have enough supply for Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

Responding to a subsequent question on measures to assist businesses facing higher freight costs, supply chain disruptions and shortages of critical inputs, the Prime Minister said the government is monitoring developments and engaging international partners.

“Trinidad and Tobago continues to monitoring developments in the Middle East and the current issues associated with the Strait of Hormuz. Our Government of T&T is continuing to work with international partners by providing diplomatic support for the unfettered freedom of navigation through the strait,” she said.

She added that Trinidad and Tobago has participated in international forums organised by the United Kingdom and France to address issues related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and to assist in finding solutions.

“These engagements align with T&T’s consistent engagement with the United States of America with respect to matters such as these. Domestically, the Government of T&T has been in discussions with the private sector to monitor and mitigate any economic impact from these tensions in the Middle East,” she said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes.

Iran recently announced that the strait has been reopened. 

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the passage for commercial vessels had resumed under a coordinated route.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Araghchi said on April 17.

He noted, however, that vessels would be required to use designated routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

Following the announcement, global oil prices declined, with Brent crude falling below US$90 per barrel and US crude also recording similar decreases.