Philippines declares national energy emergency Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency on Tuesday, citing the Middle East conflict and an "imminent danger" to the country's energy supply. The declaration, which will remain in effect for one year, grants the government authority to procure fuel and petroleum products to ensure timely and sufficient supply. It also allows the government to pay part of the contract amount in advance if necessary. Marcos stated that the conflict has created uncertainty in global energy markets, disrupted supply chains, and driven up international oil prices, threatening the nation's energy security. An executive order outlined the measures, emphasizing the need for coordinated actions to address risks from global energy supply disruptions and domestic economic impacts. A committee has been formed to oversee the orderly movement, supply, distribution, and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products, and other essential goods. Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin noted that the country currently has about 45 days of fuel supply based on current consumption levels. She revealed efforts to secure 1 million barrels of oil from Southeast Asian and other international sources to build a buffer stock, though uncertainties may affect future procurement. The declaration aims to enable faster government responses to the fallout from the Middle East crisis, which has exacerbated oil price volatility and disrupted global markets. Marcos also directed the finance ministry and central bank to monitor the impact of the conflict on the Philippine peso, remittances, and risks of currency depreciation.#philippines #ferdinand_marcos_jr #middle_east_conflict #philippine_energy_secretary #sharon_garin
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency on March 24, 2026, citing risks to the country’s energy supply linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The declaration followed concerns over global energy market instability, supply chain disruptions, and rising oil prices, which Marcos described as an “imminent danger” to the nation’s energy security. In an executive order, Marcos announced the formation of a committee tasked with ensuring the orderly movement, supply, distribution, and availability of critical goods such as fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products, and other essentials. The committee’s role is to coordinate measures to mitigate the impact of global energy supply disruptions and protect the domestic economy. The president emphasized that the emergency declaration would empower the government to take responsive actions under existing laws, including procuring necessary fuel and petroleum products to guarantee a timely and sufficient supply. In cases of urgency, the government could also advance payments for contracts to secure energy resources. Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin provided additional details during a news briefing, stating the country had approximately 45 days of fuel reserves based on current consumption levels. She noted efforts to acquire 1 million barrels of oil from both within and outside Southeast Asia to bolster the nation’s buffer stock. The declaration remains in effect for one year, allowing the government to implement strategies to address vulnerabilities in the global energy supply chain. Marcos highlighted the need for coordinated measures to counter the volatility in international oil prices and the broader economic risks posed by the conflict.#philippines #ferdinand_marcos_jr #philippine_president #philippine_energy_secretary #sharon_garin
