President Herminie outlines measures to protect economy amid Middle East crisis |11 April 2026
President Herminie (Photo: National Assembly of Seychelles)
By Laura Pillay
President Patrick Herminie has reassured the nation that the government is closely monitoring the global situation and has already put in place a series of measures to protect the country’s economy, supply chains and key sectors, as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global markets.
In a national address before the National Assembly of Seychelles yesterday evening, the President said the conflict remains “critical” despite the recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire.
“Despite the two-week ceasefire, the situation remains uncertain and not stable on a global level. Even if the conflict is far from us, and we are not directly involved in it, we are already feeling the impacts, and we will continue to feel those impacts, even after the conflict has ended,” he warned.
The Head of State noted that one of the first sectors to feel the effects was tourism, which had been performing strongly earlier in the year. “Firstly, our tourism industry which was performing really well at the beginning of the year, with experts projecting more visitor arrivals this year than ever recorded in Seychelles history, has been considerably affected,” he noted.
“Visitor arrivals have declined by around 40 percent, and this is mainly due to air connectivity, mainly Emirates, and other airlines that go through the Middle East considerably reducing flight frequency,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, the President stressed that the government remains prepared and in control of the situation, adding that it is his responsibility as Head of State to reassure the nation while also preparing it for possible challenges ahead.
He explained that the government has already put in place the “structures, partnerships and necessary measures” to ensure that the country is not negatively affected.
Emergency coordination and essential supplies
As the crisis escalated, the government established an Emergency Cabinet Committee to coordinate and monitor fuel stocks, essential commodities, price tendencies, shipping movements, visitor arrivals and overall economic activity.
According to the President, the aim is to ensure that decisions taken remain “informed, in time and effective”.
Several actions have already been implemented to secure essential supplies. This includes steps to ensure that stocks of key commodities, including medications and fuel, will last at least two months. The Central Bank of Seychelles has also been instructed to ensure there is sufficient foreign exchange available in commercial banks and money changers.
At the same time, national carrier Air Seychelles has been instructed to operate flights to Europe in order to sustain the tourism industry.
“At the same time, we are in close negotiations with airlines that are supposed to halt flights to Seychelles next month, to keep flying until at least the end of September,” he said.
The government is also exploring additional measures to strengthen supply chains.
“The government is actively exploring options to hire a container vessel, to ensure that we have adequate essential commodities in the country. We are also working closely with partner countries and suppliers to ensure availability and continuous supply of essential commodities.”
“Additional stock has been secured to increase our national reserves and reinforce our resilience. Soon, we will receive numerous cargoes from Russia, India and China,” he added.
The President also said supply chains are being reinforced across Africa, Mauritius, Asia and Europe. “I will personally go to a number of these countries very soon, to consolidate a number of agreements.”
Strengthening food security
Food security is another priority area highlighted in the address. The government has re-established the national committee on food security to help increase agricultural production and strengthen local output.
“Local production, through farmers and fishers, remains central to our resilience. With the aim of encouraging more local production and to reduce importation, the Seychelles Trading Company has been instructed to buy all additional products that farmers produce locally,” he shared.
“We are also introducing subsidies on animal feed, to ensure more meat production, and we are looking to get fertilisers that our farmers need to increase local production,” he said.
Discussions are also underway regarding a mechanism to purchase surplus fish from fishers.
Fuel and energy conservation
While fuel supply remains stable for the moment, the President warned that global price increases remain a major concern. “The supply of fuel remains stable for the moment with stocks in place and cargo secured,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the biggest threat remains potential interruptions in fuel and energy supply, as well as rising international prices that could affect the cost of living. He said several indicators suggest that “fuel prices will remain high for many months, even if the conflict ends”.
To help manage consumption, the government is introducing measures to conserve fuel and energy.
“As of Monday, we are encouraging all ministries to allow public service employees, where possible, to work from home. Our hope is that this will reduce the volume of fuel consumed for transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce electricity consumption across government offices, without affecting the government’s performance and the public service,” said the Head of State.
“The measure will remain in place until the situation of fuel supply and its price improves on an international level,” President Herminie noted.
At the same time, fuel prices at the pump will increase slightly. “At the same time, we do not have much choice but to increase the price of fuel at the pump by R1, from R20.92 to R21.92 as of Monday April 13, 2026. This decision was not taken lightly, and the government will continue to implement measures to minimise the impacts on homes and businesses,” he stated.
President Herminie assured that “there will be no increase in electricity tariffs”.
Tourism and air connectivity
Despite disruptions affecting global aviation, the President said Seychelles remains connected and is working closely with partners to maintain visitor numbers.
“Air Seychelles is renting a bigger aircraft to help bring in more visitors from Europe to Seychelles,” he said.
Discussions are also underway with Aeroflot, which is due to stop flying to Seychelles next month, to prolong its service until September. The airline currently brings in over 1,000 visitors to the country every week.
The government is also negotiating with potential airline partners, including Air Tanzania and Air Austral. The President stressed the importance of maintaining air connectivity to protect tourism, the main pillar of the country’s economy.
The government has also evaluated the feasibility of temporarily reducing rent fees for businesses operating at Seychelles International Airport that have been directly impacted by the reduction in visitor arrivals.
Economic support and business relief
The President said the health sector also remains a priority, with the government focusing on ensuring that hospitals and clinics have adequate medical materials and medication.
“Our country’s economy remains stable, our foreign exchange reserves cover around four months of importation and our financial system continues to function normally. We will act in a decisive manner to protect our businesses, and safeguard employment,” he said.
To support businesses, the government will introduce several relief measures, including targeted tax relief, flexible payment plans and faster value added tax reimbursements to improve liquidity, particularly for the tourism and commerce sectors.
Employers will also be allowed to defer pension contributions for three months without penalties or interest, with payments required by the end of June.
Enterprises occupying spaces administered by the Enterprise Seychelles Agency will also benefit from a 50 percent reduction in rent for three months. The same measure will apply to tenants of the Craft Village.
The government is also discussing temporary loan moratoriums and overdraft facilities for businesses.
“Banks are willing to support clients,” the President said, encouraging businesses to approach their banks to discuss tailored solutions according to their needs.
Call for unity and responsible action
While the government has prepared a number of measures, the President warned that further steps may become necessary if the global situation worsens.
“It is important for the Seychellois people to know that if the situation continues to worsen, we will have to take measures that are more difficult, and move on to another level of national preparedness. This will be done in a measured and responsible way, with the intent of maintaining stability and protecting our people,” he stated.
Possible measures could include prudent adjustments in government spending, the cancellation of capital projects and the preservation of foreign exchange reserves, while ensuring the continuous supply of essential commodities.
The government will also review social and support programmes to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.
“At all moments, our government’s priority is to manage the situation in a way that minimises the impacts on the economy, to safeguard supply chains, stablise key sectors, protect small businesses and preserve employment, and support those who are most vulnerable among us,” he said.
The President stressed that preparedness is a collective national responsibility. He urged households and businesses to avoid unnecessary expenses, reduce personal travel, avoid importing non-essential items and, where possible, prioritise locally produced goods.
“I appeal to each home, business and each institution to act in a calm and responsible manner, and to be considerate of others. It is through this that we will protect one another,” he said.
He reassured the public that there is no need for panic, saying the government remains “prepared, vigilant, and firmly in control of all things.”
The President also expressed appreciation to technicians, private sector representatives and members of various national committees who are helping manage the crisis.
He made special mention of employees of Air Seychelles for maintaining connectivity and for their efforts in repatriating Seychellois who were stranded in conflict zones when the war broke out. Diplomats and members of the diaspora who helped repatriate Seychellois students were also commended.
The President concluded by recalling that Seychelles has successfully navigated difficult situations before through unity and discipline.
“Therefore, today, I call on all Seychellois. Let solidarity guide us, let unity strengthen us, let discipline reinforce our actions. The government will continue to act early and swiftly in a decisive and responsible manner. Together, we will protect stability, living means, and the future of our nation. We are ready, coordinated, and together we will cross this journey.”
“My wish is that this conflict will end as soon as possible” he said.
