PUBLISHED ONApril 04, 2026 7:00 AMBYKhoo Yi-HangThe Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee (HCMC) is necessary for dealing with the ongoing energy crisis in Singapore, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam told media in Chong Pang on Saturday (April 4) afternoon.
Shanmugam, who is also an MP for Nee Soon GRC, spoke to media as the head of the HCMC, explaining the need for its formation.
"A significant part of the world's oil supply has been affected. Gas supply has been affected," Shanmugam said. "It's not clear when that situation will change.
"Even if the war stops very soon, it doesn't mean supply disruptions will go away."
These disruptions have led to price increases seen in fuel, fertiliser, food and transport, he added.
@asiaone Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam, who chairs the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee (HCMC), said on Saturday (April 4) that the Government will address issues relating to the impact of rising energy costs. #sgnews #Singapore #Energy #Crisis #Prices #MiddleEast #War ♬ original sound - AsiaOne
Shanmugam revealed that the HCMC has already been active for a few weeks, with meetings being held "for some time now".
In fact, the HCMC was set up "many years ago", long before Shanmugam entered the Ministry of Home Affairs, but was only activated due to the crisis, he said.
Members include various ministers spanning relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence, he added.
Aside from domestic impacts, diplomatic relationships are also implicated, hence the need for the inter-ministerial nature of the HCMC.
Describing the crisis as a "serious situation" that has impacts "all around the world", Shanmugam highlighted how many countries have taken measures to cut back on the use of electricity and fuel.
Singapore has yet to take those steps, Shanmugam said.
"We will explain how we approach it," he stated, declining to provide further details and indicating that the Parliamentary session should take place first.
Parliament will sit on April 7.
@asiaone Chair of the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee (HCMC), K Shanmugam, on Saturday (April 4) explained the committee's work. #sgnews #Singapore #Energy #Crisis #MiddleEast #War ♬ original sound - AsiaOne
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared in a video message to Singaporeans on Thursday that he has convened the HCMC to coordinate Singapore's response to the ongoing energy crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will serve as the committee's adviser.
The HCMC, according to PM Wong, will update existing contingency plans and develop new ones to address the energy crisis.
PM Wong also urged Singaporeans to "stand together", highlighting the importance of businesses and households in conserving energy and reducing consumption or wastage.
Assuring Singaporeans that the country has plans, capabilities and resilience to get through crises, he also cautioned that the country cannot be insulated from global upheavals.
"I am sharing all this with you so that we can be prepared for what lies ahead. The situation is highly uncertain and we cannot predict how exactly events will unfold," he said.
"But the risks are significant, and the worst may not be behind us... Whatever comes our way, we will face it, as one people, one nation. And we will get through this - together."
@asiaone Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (April 2) announced that the Government "will do more", including enhance existing measures to support businesses and households amidst the uncertain outlook and rising oil prices. #sgnews #Singapore #Energy #Security #MiddleEast #War ♬ original sound - AsiaOne
Additional reporting by Shafiq Apandi and Naufal Danish
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khooyihang@asiaone.com
