Philippines declares national energy emergency amid Middle East crisis

Philippines declares national energy emergency amid Middle East crisis
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos. Photo: Collected

Staff reporter

Published: 2026-03-24 20:04:32

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday declared a state of “national energy emergency,” citing threats to the country’s fuel supply and overall energy stability caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In an executive order, Ferdinand Marcos emphasised that the war in the region has created “an imminent danger to the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply,” prompting urgent government action.

The declaration allows the administration to take extraordinary measures to safeguard energy resources, manage imports, and ensure the continuous provision of fuel and electricity for both households and businesses.

The president warned that disruptions in global oil markets, particularly from the Middle East, could affect domestic prices, supply chains, and overall economic activity.

By declaring a national energy emergency, the government aims to strengthen monitoring of fuel stocks, coordinate with energy companies, and implement policies that prevent shortages or sudden spikes in fuel costs.

The move also gives authorities the legal framework to coordinate with international partners, including oil-producing nations and energy agencies, to secure reliable fuel shipments.

Officials said this step is crucial to protect the country from potential supply disruptions and to maintain energy stability during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

President Marcos called on private and public sectors to cooperate fully with the government, emphasising that collective effort will help mitigate the impact of the crisis and ensure uninterrupted access to energy across the Philippines.