Malaysia is facing a potential energy crisis as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East. The blockade threat surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could put Putrajaya on a course for a severe energy shortage.

Malaysia ended last week with seven oil tankers en route via the Strait of Hormuz and a government promise that supplies would last through May. Then US President Donald Trump announced a blockade. Analysts say the escalation in the US-Israel war on Iran puts Malaysia on a collision course with an energy crisis sooner than expected. “Putrajaya has already flagged June as a critical pressure point,” said geopolitical risk consultant Asrul Sani, associate vice-president of The Asia Group. “This...