2026 Philippine energy crisis
Since late February 2026, an energy crisis in the Philippines has occurred as a result of the war in Iran. When the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it disrupted 20% of the world's oil supply. Since the Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East, the closure endangers the country's energy supply, which is heavily dependent on oil. On March 24, 2026, President Bongbong Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency. He said that the Philippines had enough crude oil supply until June 30. The Philippines is the first country in the world to declare an energy emergency.
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2026 Philippine energy crisis
Price board of a filling station in Pulilan, showing increased fuel prices due to the effects of the 2026 Iran war.
Since late February 2026, an energy crisis in the Philippines has occurred as a result of the war in Iran. When the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it disrupted 20% of the world's oil supply. Since the Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East, the closure endangers the country's energy supply, which is heavily dependent on oil. On March 24, 2026, President Bongbong Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency. He said that the Philippines had enough crude oil supply until June 30. The Philippines is the first country in the world to declare an energy emergency.
Initially, Malacañang Palace ; on March 23, 2026, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the Philippines was facing "price disruption" caused by the conflict in the Middle East and was not yet in crisis. The statement was supported by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. Later on, President Marcos ordered the creation of a crisis committee to ensure economic stability and stable school supply.
Declaration
2026 Philippine energy crisis
President Bongbong Marcos signed Executive Order No. 110, putting the Philippines under a state of national energy emergency due to the 2026 Iran war. As the Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East, the country was severely affected by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Impact
2026 Philippine energy crisis
The national oil supply of the Philippines continually diminishes, while inflation is at an all-time high. As of March 20, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) stated that the Philippines had an average of 45 days' supply of oil, down from 55 to 57 days when the war started a month ago. By March 24, fuel prices were projected to rise sharply, with diesel exceeding ₱130 (US$2.64) per liter and gasoline surpassing ₱100 (US$2.03) per liter, as continued Middle East tensions drove a third week of significant increases. Data from the DOE showed substantial price hikes across fuel types, while oil firms implemented adjustments and officials attributed the increases to global market pressures despite a slight slowdown in per-barrel price growth.
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, the largest airlines in the Philippines, suspended several domestic and international routes amid the global fuel price surge and also to conserve local oil reserves.
As of March 27, 2026, 425 filling stations across the country have closed, out of the 14,485 stations nationwide that were being monitored by the Philippine National Police.
Several shopping malls in the country reduced their operating hours in response to energy crisis in the country.
Local response
The Philippine government stated that it was exploring alternative oil suppliers and holding talks with non-traditional sources, such as China, India, and Russia, to help maintain a stable fuel supply amid global market uncertainty and price volatility.
On March 25, 2026, the Department of Budget and Management approved the release of ₱20 billion (US$406.09 million) from the Malampaya gas fund to the Department of Energy to secure fuel supply and stabilize availability amid global disruptions. The funds were allocated to procure fuel and support emergency energy measures, with procurement initiated by the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation to help prevent shortages and maintain essential services.
Petron Corporation ordered 700,000 barrels of oil from Russia, taking advantage of the United States' thirty-day waiver on countries purchasing sanctioned Russian petroleum products already at sea. The U.S. sanctions were in place due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Philippine government said that it was working to obtain similar waivers from other U.S.-sanctioned countries.
The Department of Agriculture activated ₱1 billion (US$20.3 million) from its quick-response fund following the declaration of a national energy emergency, allocating ₱500 million (US$10.15 million) for fuel subsidies to fisherfolk and another ₱500 million for fertilizer procurement, with rollout expected in May after the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been monitoring fuel stations, supply depots, and other critical energy infrastructure nationwide to deter illegal activities and ensure continued access to essential services.
On March 27, 2026, the Sorsogon Provincial Board declared a state of calamity in the province due to rising petroleum prices affecting the local economy. The resolution authorized the use of disaster funds for emergency assistance and directed local government units to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases while maintaining public services.
Reactions
2026 Philippine energy crisis
Transport strikes have already occurred in various parts of the country over rising oil prices. To maintain peace and order, the PNP has tightened security in key energy facilities.