As the US–Israel–Iran war rages on, its repercussions are increasingly being felt across the globe. Retail petrol prices have surged in almost every country, while some are already experiencing fuel shortages, leading to long queues at petrol stations. In the Philippines, the government has even warned of the possibility of grounding planes due to a shortage of jet fuel. In response, governments worldwide have rolled out measures to cushion the impact —ranging from fuel subsidies to encouraging work-from-home to reduce energy consumption.

For now, Malaysians have been largely shielded from the immediate impact of rising energy costs, thanks to substantial government subsidies. These have surged from approximately RM700 mln to RM3.2 bln in less than a week. However, such a pace is clearly unsustainable. Unless the war ends soon, higher retail prices for petrol, food, and other essential goods are inevitable. If the war drags on, how should we position ourselves to cope with the rising cost of living and safeguard our finances?

For insights and practical strategies, join a special talk by Tan Teng Boo on Saturday, 4 Apr. To learn more and register, please visit: https://events.icapital.biz/registration/2026-fund-gatherings/. Come and listen to a fund manager who has experienced the 1973 oil crisis and the 1990 “Mother of All Battles.”