KOTA BHARU, April 18 — Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) will hold negotiations with Russia to purchase oil as part of efforts to ensure the country maintains a sufficient fuel supply.
The New Straits Times reported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as saying that the move comes as many countries in Europe and the United States, which had previously imposed sanctions on Russia, are now competing to secure oil from the country.
“Fortunately, our relations with Russia remain good, allowing the Petronas team to negotiate with them,” he said after officiating the new terminal at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport today.
Anwar assured that the country’s petrol supply remains stable for now and is expected to last until June.
He added that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who visited Malaysia two days ago, had requested cooperation involving petrol, diesel, and fertiliser supplies.
"My answer was that we can help friendly nations, but our priority is our own domestic needs. If there is a surplus, we will discuss how to assist. If not, we cannot.
"Why must we maintain good relations with Australia? It is because we need their phosphate for our plantations, especially Felda-owned oil palm estates.
"We also have oil processing plants in Australia. This is why international relations must be maintained and negotiated effectively," Anwar said.
