Middle East Crisis: Philippines Allows Temporary Use of Dirtier Fuel

The Philippines has allowed the temporary and limited use of cheaper but dirtier types of fuel. The policy is intended to ensure the country’s supply remains secure in addressing the impact of the Middle East crisis. Citing Channel News Asia on Monday (23/3/2026), the Department of Energy (DOE) stated that only vehicles from the 2015 model year and earlier, traditional public transport (jeepneys), power plants and generators, as well as the maritime and shipping sectors, are permitted to use petroleum products compliant with Euro-II standards. “This step is intended to help maintain a sustainable, adequate, and accessible fuel supply, while providing limited flexibility for sectors that may be affected,” the DOE said in a statement. The DOE has ordered oil companies that will offer Euro-II fuel to maintain separation from Euro-IV throughout the storage, transportation, and retail systems. Manila switched to cleaner fuel compliant with Euro-IV standards from Euro-II in 2016. Euro-IV fuel, which remains in effect, has a sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm) compared to 500 ppm for Euro-II fuel. Last week, thousands of jeepney drivers took to the streets nationwide to protest the local diesel price more than doubling after global oil prices surged due to the US-Israel war in Iran. Like many of its Southeast Asian neighbours, the Philippines has taken measures such as shortening the workweek and providing fuel subsidies to mitigate the impact of rising costs. Congress has also granted emergency powers to the president to suspend or reduce fuel taxes. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stated in a video message on Sunday (22/3) that the government is in talks with India, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Brunei about possible fuel supply arrangements. The country, which is heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil for its fuel needs, will import Russian oil this month for the first time in five years.