Hormuz reopening won't end global crisis, but Singapore enters it from position of strength: PM Wong
Singapore must brace for a difficult period ahead, but can face the challenges with “quiet confidence”, says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the May Day Rally.
by Koh Wan Ting · CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
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SINGAPORE: The global crisis will not end anytime soon, even when the Strait of Hormuz reopens, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned on Friday (May 1).
Addressing more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners at the May Day Rally in Downtown East, Mr Wong said the situation could take months to stabilise, with pressures "likely to intensify" and Singaporeans feeling the impact directly.
Even so, Singapore can look ahead with "quiet confidence", having entered the crisis from a position of strength built up over decades.
"So we must brace ourselves – and be prepared for a more difficult period ahead," Mr Wong said.
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Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and the US has imposed blockades on Iranian ports, leaving a tense stand-off with no clear resolution. While fighting has paused, tensions remain high.
The Strait has been closed for more than two months, with the impact felt not just in higher prices but in tightening supplies across multiple sectors.
"Here in Asia, we are especially affected because of our high dependence on energy and other critical supplies from the Gulf. Some countries in our region are already facing fuel shortages," Mr Wong said, describing the situation as a storm "more severe" than anything Singapore has faced in recent years.
Even when the Strait reopens, a return to normal will not be immediate, he added, citing damaged energy infrastructure, uncleared mines in shipping lanes and the need to restore confidence for safe passage.
Supply disruptions could persist or worsen, with Singapore facing slower growth and higher inflation this year.
"All this will put real pressure on businesses, workers and households," he said.
HARD CHOICES MADE EARLY
Singapore is not facing this crisis from a position of weakness, Mr Wong said. "Singapore is better prepared and in a much stronger position today."
He pointed to the reclamation of land, the development of Jurong Island and its refining and petrochemical industries, and the creation of underground storage in the Jurong Rock Caverns.
"We made the hard choices early – managing our finances prudently and building up our reserves. At the same time, we invested to strengthen our energy resilience."
Today, Singapore is a key node in global energy flows, with the world's leading energy companies refining, storing and trading oil here, connected to diverse supply networks that allow them to draw on alternative sources when one is disrupted.
Singapore is also working with like-minded countries to strengthen supply chain resilience and secure essential supplies.
The government has meanwhile rolled out a S$1 billion (US$777 million) support package, including higher Cost-of-Living special payments for Singaporeans, cash relief for platform workers, an increased corporate income tax rebate and an expanded Energy Efficiency Grant extended to all sectors through Mar 31, 2028.
"I know what many of you are thinking: the CDC vouchers were meant for January next year. Now they have been brought forward. So you ask: 'Will there still be support later on?'"
He assured that further support is on the table if conditions worsen.
"Because in times like this, Singaporeans can count on one thing: your government will act. We will do so decisively, and we will stand with you, with every Singaporean, every step of the way."
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