Former U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism after telling allied nations to “go get your own oil” amid rising global fuel prices, as U.S. gasoline costs climbed to $4 per gallon.
The remarks came as tensions in the Middle East disrupted key supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments. The situation has triggered renewed volatility in energy markets and placed pressure on economies dependent on imported fuel.
Trump’s comments were directed at long-standing U.S. allies, including countries in Europe, which have expressed concern over the escalating conflict but have not fully aligned with Washington’s stance. His statement underscored growing frustration within U.S. political circles over burden-sharing and energy security among allied nations.
“Go get your own oil,” Trump said, suggesting that countries should take more responsibility for securing their own energy supplies as geopolitical risks intensify.
Across Asia, the crisis has already affected a wide range of economies that rely heavily on imported energy. Countries such as the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as smaller economies including Sri Lanka and Myanmar, are grappling with the effects of higher oil and fuel prices. Some nations have had to introduce conservation measures or fuel rationing to address supply shortfalls, while others are scrambling to secure alternative sources and strike bartered deals for LNG and LPG supplies.
Economists warn that Asia, heavily dependent on oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, is particularly vulnerable to prolonged supply disruptions. The ongoing conflict has already intensified inflationary pressures and raised concerns over currency stability in several regional economies.
The convergence of geopolitical conflict, supply disruption, and political rhetoric is accelerating a broader energy challenge across Asia. Trump’s remarks highlight a shifting global dynamic in which energy security is increasingly treated as a national responsibility rather than a shared alliance concern. For many Asian economies, the situation is more complex. Limited domestic oil production and strong reliance on imports mean countries cannot easily secure an independent supply. As prices continue to rise, governments may face difficult choices such as expanding fuel subsidies, tightening monetary policy, or allowing inflation to affect household spending. Each option carries significant economic and political consequences in the months ahead.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
