Malaysia Eyes Hybrid Petroleum Reserve Amid Supply Disruptions

Malaysia's energy security is under scrutiny following recent supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said the government is studying the need for a national petroleum reserve.

Oil and gas analyst Jamil Ghani recommends developing a hybrid strategic reserve that combines commercial inventories with a smaller, government-controlled emergency stockpile.

The proposed model would require key refiners, importers, and distributors to maintain minimum emergency stockholding requirements. This layered public-private approach would strengthen resilience without duplicating existing infrastructure, says Jamil Ghani.