SINGAPORE, April 7 -- The Singapore government has announced a relief package to help shield households and businesses from the fallout of the Middle East conflict, which has triggered what officials describe as the most severe global energy disruption since the 1973 oil embargo.

The Straits Times reported in Parliament yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow warning that the "unprecedented" choking off of energy supplies via the Strait of Hormuz will lead to higher electricity and food prices. Officials noted that the crisis is likely to intensify and persist for some time, even if a ceasefire is reached, due to damaged infrastructure.

Direct support for households

To combat ris...