Philippines Declares National Energy Emergency in Wake of US-Israel War with Iran

The Philippine government has declared a national energy emergency, citing threats to the country’s fuel supplies due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that he has signed an executive order to safeguard energy security amid severe disruptions to the global supply chain.

According to the BBC, on Tuesday (24/3/2026), the US-Israel war with Iran, which has resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the main shipping route—has sent shockwaves through the global energy market. The conflict has caused price surges and supply shortages. The Philippines, which relies heavily on fuel imports, is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in production and delivery.

“A national energy emergency is hereby declared in view of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the dangers threatening the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply,” Marcos said in the executive order shared with the media on Tuesday.

Marcos stated that this step will enable the government to take “coordinated measures” to address disruptions in the national economy. He added that a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution, and availability of fuel, food, medicines, and other essential goods.

The declaration will remain in effect for one year unless extended or revoked by the president.

This follows calls from several senators urging Marcos to recognise the “emergency-level” difficulties faced by Filipino families due to soaring oil prices. On Tuesday, another price surge pushed petrol and diesel prices more than double from pre-war levels in February.

The Philippines imports about 98% of its crude oil from the Gulf, and the conflict has had widespread impacts on the country, from transportation to rice prices.

Since hostilities broke out, the government has provided subsidies to transport drivers, reduced ferry services, and implemented a four-day workweek for civil servants to save fuel.

Earlier on Tuesday, Energy Minister Sharon Garin said the country has about 45 days’ worth of fuel reserves.

Garin told reporters that the country will “temporarily” rely more on coal-fired power plants to meet its energy needs in response to surging liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs.

Asia is particularly vulnerable to a Strait of Hormuz blockade. Last year, nearly 90% of all oil and gas passing through the waterway was destined for the region.