PH fuel supply stable at 51 days as government ramps up oil security measures — Marcos
MANILA — The Philippines has secured enough fuel to last 51 days, as the government accelerates measures to protect the country’s oil supply amid continued tensions in the Middle East, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.
In a national address, Marcos said state‑run firms and economic agencies have taken concrete steps to shore up fuel reserves and cushion the impact of potential supply disruptions.
“Nag‑order na ang PNOC‑EC ng 1.04 milyong bariles ng diesel. Mayroon ding 142,000 na bariles na [na‑deliver] ngayong linggo. Ang natitira ay darating sa buwan ng Abril,” the President said.
Marcos added that additional funding has already been released to further strengthen the country’s buffer stock.
“Nai‑release na ng DBM ang PhP20 bilyon para sa procurement ng hanggang dalawang milyong bariles ng karagdagang langis. Sampung araw ito na dagdag sa ating buffer stock. Sa ngayon, may 51 days tayo na supply dito sa bansa,” he said.
The President earlier noted that the Philippines has sufficient crude oil supply to last until June 30, even as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical developments.
Emergency measures activated
Marcos outlined a series of actions taken under the government’s energy emergency response, including the issuance of Executive Order No. 110, which authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and PNOC‑Exploration Corp. (PNOC‑EC) to fast‑track oil procurement activities.
He also cited the enactment of Republic Act No. 12316, which he signed on March 25, granting the President authority to suspend the collection of excise taxes on petroleum products when necessary.
According to Marcos, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is scheduled to meet this week to present its assessment on excise taxes amid the current energy situation.
EO 110 further empowers the DOE to recommend action by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on the operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), with the goal of stabilizing electricity prices and preventing sharp fluctuations.
“Simula March 26, pansamantalang sinuspinde na ng ERC ang WESM. Ibig sabihin, ipatutupad na ang optimal dispatch ng mas murang energy source tulad ng renewable,” the President said.
“Magkakaroon din ng kontrol ang gobyerno sa presyuhan sa WESM. Kasalukuyan itong inaayos na ng ERC.”
Long‑term energy solutions
Looking beyond immediate measures, Marcos pointed to progress in domestic energy development, particularly the successful drilling and testing of the Camago‑3 well, which he said has the potential to produce up to 60 million cubic feet of gas per day.
The additional gas output is expected to help stabilize power supply and reduce costs for Filipino electricity consumers, the President said.
Relief measures for transport sector and commuters
Marcos also detailed government assistance extended to transport workers, operators, and commuters affected by rising fuel costs.
Among the measures implemented are a 50 percent fare discount on LRT‑2 and MRT‑3, benefiting more than 12 million additional passengers, as well as the continued rollout of “Libreng Sakay” programs in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.
Temporary toll discounts are also being provided to jeepneys, buses, and freight vehicles transporting food along NLEX, SLEX, and STAR, Marcos said.
He further announced that beginning April 15, ports will collect only a PhP1 roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) terminal fee for vehicles carrying agricultural products.
Fuel subsidies and cash assistance
To ease the burden on drivers and operators, the government has allocated PhP2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for more than 1.4 million beneficiaries nationwide.
Marcos said fuel assistance totaling PhP300 million has already been distributed to 155 drivers and 55,252 unit operators.
In addition, over 256,000 transport workers in Metro Manila received PhP5,000 cash assistance, while PhP1.28 billion in additional support is being prepared, with nationwide distribution set to begin on April 6, he said.
The President reiterated that the government remains on full alert to ensure energy security and protect consumers and workers as global uncertainties continue. | PIA/PCO/PND
