TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s energy supplies remain secure despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) said at a DPP Central Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday.

Cheng said that oil and coal reserves exceed the legally required amount, per CNA. Scheduling for natural gas imports for March and April has been completed, and arrangements for May onward are being made, she said. There are also plans to increase purchases from the US and Australia, the vice premier added.

Cheng said that under the pricing formula, gasoline prices should have increased by NT$5.4 per liter (US$0.17), but state-run CPC Corp. absorbed most of the costs. This resulted in a smaller increase of NT$1.5 per liter. The price of liquefied petroleum gas in cylinders will not increase in March.

She added that the Cabinet will present a report on Thursday and that the government will continue working to stabilize the overall situation.

The vice premier said that 1,695 Taiwanese have returned from the Middle East. She advised that travelers avoid visiting the region unless necessary, and that those who must travel use the government’s travel registration system so overseas offices can monitor their location and safety in real time.