The Philippines declared a national energy emergency on Tuesday in response to the escalating war between Iran, Israel, and the United States. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed an executive order citing the "imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply due to disruptions caused by the conflict.
Key Takeaways
The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency due to the Iran war's impact on global energy markets. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed an executive order allowing the government to regulate fuel distribution and procure supplies directly.
- Philippines declares national energy emergency over Iran conflict
- Government authorized to oversee fuel, food, medicine distribution for one year
- Country has 45 days of fuel supply remaining; seeking additional oil imports
- Transport workers plan strikes protesting high fuel prices
The declaration empowers the government to regulate fuel distribution and procure supplies directly for one year. A committee has been formed to oversee the orderly movement of essential goods, including food, medicine, and agricultural products. The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Gulf region, where prices have more than doubled since hostilities began on February 28.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the country has approximately 45 days of fuel supply remaining and is working to procure an additional 1 million barrels. The government plans to rely more heavily on coal-fired power plants temporarily due to soaring liquefied natural gas (LNG) costs, per The Guardian. Indonesia, the top supplier of coal, has assured the Philippines that there will be no restrictions on imports.
Transport workers and other groups plan a two-day strike beginning Thursday to protest rising fuel prices and what they perceive as an inadequate government response. The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) labor coalition criticized the emergency declaration, accusing the administration of downplaying the crisis earlier and including "anti-worker provisions" in the executive order that could restrict strikes.
The Philippines is also working with Washington to secure waivers for purchasing oil from U.S.-sanctioned countries like Iran and Venezuela. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told Reuters that all options are being considered, though negotiations remain a "work in progress." The government has implemented measures such as subsidies for transport drivers and reduced ferry services to mitigate the crisis.
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