The Prime Minister of East Timor, Xanana Gusmão, said the government may impose nighttime electricity cuts if the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt fuel supplies.
Speaking after a meeting with President José Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace, Gusmão explained that electricity could be limited between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. to conserve resources.
“I informed the President that, if the war situation in the Middle East becomes very difficult, the government will announce that electricity will operate until 11:00 p.m. and be restored at 5:00 a.m., so that we can save,” he told reporters.
The warning comes as the government moves to secure fuel supplies. On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved $168.8 million in spending to ensure fuel availability through the end of 2026.
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Under the plan, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro, has been authorized to urgently procure 80 million liters of diesel via a direct award process. The measure aims to build a strategic reserve in case shortages worsen due to prolonged instability in the Middle East.
Authorities also recently approved legislation setting maximum fuel prices in the country. Gusmão said the newly acquired fuel would support the national electricity provider, EDTL, while also supplying the domestic market.
In addition, the prime minister urged citizens to reduce vehicle use, including within public institutions.
“During this weekend, walk,” he said, calling for immediate conservation efforts.
