Arab Conflict Affects Indonesia's Neighbour: Fuel Queues and Four-Day Work Week in Philippines

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Panic buying of fuel is occurring in Indonesia’s neighbouring country, the Philippines. Queues have formed at petrol stations and officials have warned against hoarding fuel.

Citing AFP, residents are racing to fill their tanks on Monday 9 March 2026. This is occurring ahead of anticipated price increases expected to result from the US-Israel conflict against Iran.

“Fuel price increases will occur in stages over three to five days, depending on the company,” said Energy Minister Sharon Garin.

“We must remember that these are not government-regulated prices. Companies simply need to inform us of the increases and justify them,” she added.

Speaking to a congressional committee, Garin stated that fuel costs would rise between 17 pesos (Rp 4,846) and 24 pesos (Rp 6,841) per litre per week.

Petrol Station Queues

At a petrol station in Metro Manila, queues included motorcycles, taxis and private vehicles. These vehicles were reported queuing under the blazing sun.

Petrol station attendant Enrico Guda, 31, said the number of vehicles normally served by the station in a day had doubled to approximately 1,000. Customers wanted to fill fuel before prices surged.

“The queues started 24 hours ago. Morning, afternoon, even before dawn,” he said.

A 25-year-old student, Francis Aranda, said the price surge was “painful”. He planned to use half his weekly fuel allowance to avoid worry in the coming days.

“Especially if the war in Iran continues,” he said.

Meanwhile, police have been instructed to inspect petrol stations in their areas and gather evidence of hoarding or excessive profiteering. National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Randulf Tuano said there would be strict enforcement.

Additionally, price increases will also affect the Philippines’ vital transport sector for the island nation: ferries. Operators have already announced fare increases.

Starlite Ferries, a relatively small operator in the central Philippines, announced a 25 per cent increase effective Tuesday. Meanwhile, Montenegro Shipping Lines, which operates a fleet of 48 vessels, said its prices would increase by 10–20 per cent from 23 March.

Four-Day Work Week

Previously, President Ferdinand Marcos announced last week a shift in working days from five days per week to four days per week. This applies to non-essential government employees.

He also ordered agencies to reduce their fuel and electricity consumption by 10–20 per cent. He also requested Congress to authorise him to reduce excise tax on petroleum products if crude oil prices exceed US$80 per barrel, which currently stands above US$100 per barrel.