Philippines Declares Energy Emergency Over Middle East Conflict
The Philippines has declared a state of national energy emergency, citing the "imminent danger" posed to the country's fuel supplies by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that he had signed an executive order aimed at safeguarding energy security amid severe disruptions to global supply chains.
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, along with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping route—has caused significant disturbances in global energy markets, resulting in soaring prices and shortages.
The Philippines is highly dependent on fuel imports and is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in production and shipments.
"A state of national energy emergency is hereby declared in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the resulting imminent danger posed upon the availability and stability of the country's energy supply," Marcos stated in the executive order shared with media on Tuesday.
Marcos explained that this declaration would enable the government to implement "co-ordinated measures" to address disruptions affecting the country's economy.
He also noted the formation of a committee tasked with ensuring the orderly movement, supply, distribution, and availability of fuel, food, medicines, and other essential goods.
The declaration is set to remain in effect for one year unless extended or lifted by the president.
This move follows appeals from several senators urging Marcos to recognize the "emergency-level" hardships faced by Philippine families due to escalating oil prices.
On Tuesday, another surge pushed petrol and diesel prices to more than double their pre-war levels recorded in February.
The Philippines imports approximately 98% of its crude oil from the Gulf region, and the conflict has had broad repercussions across the country, impacting sectors from transportation to the cost of rice.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, the government has provided subsidies to transport drivers, reduced ferry services, and implemented a four-day workweek for civil servants to conserve fuel.
Earlier on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin reported that the country had about 45 days of fuel supply remaining.
Garin told reporters the country would "temporarily" increase reliance on coal-fired power plants to meet energy demands in response to the rising costs of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Asia is especially vulnerable to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In the previous year, nearly 90% of all oil and gas passing through this waterway was destined for the region.
