President Patrick Herminie has told the nation that Seychelles remains stable despite the ongoing Gulf instability, but warned that global pressures could affect fuel, tourism and the cost of living.
In an address on Friday 10 April 2026, President Herminie said the government continues to monitor the situation closely and has measures in place to respond if conditions worsen.
He said current stocks and resources are sufficient to sustain the population during this period of uncertainty. However, he cautioned that external shocks could have an impact.
“Fuel provisions, trade and the cost of living, even if they remain stable at the moment, will not be able to resist adverse effects if the situation in the Middle East does not improve,” President Herminie said.
He urged the public not to panic. He said authorities have set up monitoring mechanisms since the start of the crisis. These track tourism arrivals, fuel stocks and the cost of living. He added that this allows the government to take informed decisions.
The President said Seychelles currently holds about two months of fuel reserves. However, he warned that supply disruptions could drive prices higher on the international market. He added that global fuel prices are expected to rise even if the conflict ends.
As a result, he announced a fuel price increase of one Seychelles rupee, from SCR20.92 to SCR21.92. The change will take effect on Monday 13 April 2026.
He also confirmed that the government will reintroduce remote working for public service employees from the same date. He said the move aims to reduce pressure on fuel stocks and conserve energy.
Tourism, a key sector of the economy, has already been affected. President Herminie said visitor numbers have dropped by 40%. He linked this to reduced air connectivity through Middle Eastern transit hubs. He noted that Emirates has reduced its flights to Seychelles.
He said the government is working with airlines and industry partners to limit the impact.
“Even with the global interruption, Seychelles remains connected. We are working closely with aviation companies and the tourism sector to maintain visitors coming to Seychelles. As you all know, Air Seychelles has started trips to Europe,” he said.
The President added that discussions are ongoing with Aeroflot to extend its flights beyond next month until September. He said the airline currently brings more than 1,000 visitors per week, making it a major contributor to arrivals.
On the economy, President Herminie said conditions remain stable. He stated that foreign exchange reserves cover about four months of imports.
He announced a series of relief measures for businesses. These include targeted tax relief, flexible payment arrangements and faster VAT reimbursements. He said the aim is to improve liquidity, particularly in tourism and commercial sectors.
On food security, the President confirmed that the National Committee for Food Security has been re-established. He said the move will support increased local agricultural production.
“Local production through farmers and fishermen remains central to our resilience,” he said.
He added that the Seychelles Trading Company has been instructed to purchase surplus produce from local farmers. He said the government will also introduce incentives for animal feed to support livestock production. Additional measures will support local fishermen.
The government is also exploring options to rent a container vessel to secure essential supplies. President Herminie said authorities are working with partner countries and suppliers to ensure continued availability of goods. He confirmed that additional stocks have been secured to strengthen national reserves.
“Soon we will receive various cargoes from Russia, India and China,” he said.
However, the President warned that stricter measures may follow if the situation deteriorates.
“It is important for the people of Seychelles to know that if the situation worsens, we will have to take more difficult measures and move to another level of national preparedness. This will be done in a measured and responsible manner, with the intention to maintain stability and protect the people of Seychelles,” he added.