President Dr. Irfaan Ali has acknowledged that Guyana will inevitably feel the effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict, even as the government moves to shield the country through major long-term investments.
Speaking on his “Tea on the Terrace” programme on Wednesday, President Ali outlined the significant global disruptions caused by the war, with particular focus on the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that facilitates approximately 21 per cent of global oil supplies, 19 to 22 per cent of liquefied natural gas, and one-third of the world’s seaborne fertiliser trade.
“What this has led to is widespread volatility,” he said, adding that the disruption has triggered price increases in fuel, gas, and agricultural inputs, with ripple effects being felt across economies worldwide, including Guyana.
The president warned that the conflict will have an immense impact on food production and prices in the months ahead, with the World Food Programme estimating that 45 million more people are now at risk of hunger. Fertiliser prices have risen by 46 per cent, while oil prices have also soared.
President Ali said his government has already been implementing measures to strengthen the country’s resilience, including the Gas-to-Energy project in Wales, which is expected to come onstream by the end of 2026, with a second facility planned for Region Six. Plans for a refinery and fertiliser production are also being advanced.
“You have a government that is ahead of the planning cycle and one that is ready and willing to make the necessary adjustments and to take the steps that will secure our economy not only for today but in the long term,” he affirmed.
Responding to public criticism, the president stressed that managing the crisis demands serious planning and high-level engagement. “It’s not a simplistic social media post,” he said, reminding critics that Guyana operates within a global economic framework.
