Highlights: Singapore warns of slower growth, higher inflation amid Middle East conflict, unveils support measures

SINGAPORE: Three ministerial statements were delivered on Tuesday (Apr 7) on the impact of the war in the Middle East on Singapore.

The statements - by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam - came after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced last week the convening of a ministerial committee to coordinate a national response to the conflict, which has entered its second month.

The Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee is chaired by Home Affairs Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam, with Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, serving as its adviser.

In his statement, Mr Gan cautioned that economic activity is likely to slow and prices are expected to rise in Singapore as the conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies and global trade.

Mr Siow's statement focused on measures that will be implemented to support households, workers and businesses.

Mr Shanmugam, meanwhile, said in his statement that Singapore has not yet had to implement drastic energy measures to cope with the conflict's impact. However, more action may be needed if the crisis is prolonged, he said. 

He also emphasised the security of Singapore’s food supply, noting that some items from certain countries may not be available and that Singaporeans should "exercise flexibility in choosing alternatives".

More than 70 oral and written questions related to the conflict and its fallout were filed by MPs ahead of Tuesday's sitting of parliament.

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