00:00Prime Minister Kammer-Pasar-Basar spoke about efforts toward a diplomatic solution
00:04when she was asked in the House of Representatives by Opposition Member Hans Deveens
00:09about measures being taken to protect businesses from the fallout from the Middle East war.
00:16Mr. Speaker, Trinidad and Bego continues to monitor developments in the Middle East
00:22and the current issues associated with the Strait of Humus.
00:27Our government of TNT is continuing to work with international partners
00:32by providing diplomatic support for the unfettered freedom of navigation through the Strait.
00:39U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform on Friday
00:44that, quote, the Strait of Humus is completely open and ready for business and full passage,
00:50but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect
00:54as it pertains to Iran only until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete, end quote.
01:03In the last week, Trinidad and Tobago participated twice in international forum
01:08organized by the United Kingdom and France to discuss issues associated with the closure of the Strait
01:16and to assist in providing solutions.
01:19These engagements align with TNT's consistent engagement with the United States of America
01:25with respect to matters as these.
01:28Domestically, the government of TNT has been in discussions with the private sector
01:33to monitor and mitigate any economic impacts from these tensions in the Middle East.
01:38Opposition MP and former Energy Minister Stuart Young earlier posed another question.
01:43In light of the growing global shortage of fuel, would the Prime Minister inform this House
01:50how many weeks of domestic fuel supply does Paria Trading Company Limited
01:55currently have in storage for Trinidad and Tobago?
01:59Paria Fuel Trading is a subsidiary of the state-owned Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited.
02:04Mr. Speaker, I'm advised by Paria Trading, which deals with our stocks of fuel,
02:12that at this time we have enough supply for Trinidad and Tobago.
02:19Trinidad and Tobago has been importing fuel, including gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel,
02:25since the closure of the state-owned oil refinery in late 2018 by the former PNM administration,
02:31which did not succeed in its efforts to sell or lease the refinery before the 2025 general election.
02:38The UNC administration has promised to reopen the refinery.
02:42Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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