TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In the wake of the Iran war and disruptions to world’s fuel supply, Chinese agents have launched an online disinformation campaign promoting the narrative that Taiwan’s fuel supplies are on the verge of depletion.

Shortly after the start of hostilities in Iran, around two-dozen Chinese social media accounts began promoting false claims that Taiwan’s LNG reserves will be gone within two weeks, reported AFP. Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) has rejected claims of looming fuel shortages on multiple occasions.

The social media disinformation campaign on sites like Douyin and YouTube serves China's strategy of cognitive warfare. China hopes to use uncertainty around the Iran War to stir fear among Taiwanese and undermine trust in the nation’s energy security.

Some accounts say Taiwan will soon face mass electricity outages as energy supply runs low. In mid-March, China made an overture offering Taiwan energy security in exchange for giving up its sovereignty, which Taiwan rejected.

Taiwan law enforcement agencies are reportedly monitoring accounts in China as well as collaborators in Taiwan who are spreading disinformation related to the Iran war and Taiwan’s fuel supply, per AFP.

Kung previously said that Taiwan has arranged for 22 shipments of LNG in March and April, ensuring stable energy supply for the near term.  On Wednesday, he announced further shipments were secured through mid-June, with around one-third of the supply coming from Qatar and other shipments coming from the US, Australia, and Russia. 

LNG accounted for about 47% of Taiwan’s energy needs in 2025. Taiwan is facing some strain on fuel supply and expects higher prices as the war drags on, but near-term energy security is assured. 

The administration of Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is also considering the possibility of reactivating decommissioned nuclear power plants to bolster energy sources given the uncertain global geopolitical environment.