Philippines Energy Crisis: Marcos Seeks Fuel Supply & Declares Emergency
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Declared a national energy emergency on Saturday, as the Philippines grapples with ensuring adequate fuel supplies amid geopolitical instability and potential disruptions to global oil markets. The declaration came as the administration seeks new oil suppliers, including exploring options to procure oil from countries sanctioned by the United States, according to officials.
The move follows a commitment from President Marcos to secure the nation’s fuel needs, stating earlier this week that the Philippines would prioritize maintaining an adequate supply despite external pressures. “We must ensure that our citizens have access to affordable and reliable energy,” Marcos said in a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.
The Philippines is actively working with Washington to obtain oil from countries facing U.S. Sanctions, Rappler reported, citing sources within the Marcos administration. This effort reflects a broader strategy to diversify the country’s energy sources and reduce reliance on traditional suppliers. Details of the specific countries involved have not been publicly disclosed, but officials indicated that negotiations are ongoing.
The declaration of a national energy emergency grants the government expanded powers to manage the energy sector, including the potential for rationing and price controls. However, the administration has emphasized its intention to avoid such measures if possible, focusing instead on securing alternative supply routes and bolstering domestic energy production.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) stated on Monday that its jet fuel supply remains “sufficient for the foreseeable future,” despite the broader concerns about national energy security. The airline acknowledged the challenging global energy landscape but expressed confidence in its ability to maintain operations without disruption. “We are closely monitoring the situation and working with our suppliers to ensure a stable fuel supply,” a PAL spokesperson said.
President Marcos is scheduled to travel to the United States next month, from March 8 to 11, for a four-day working visit. While the primary purpose of the trip is to attend the United Nations assembly in New York, officials have indicated that energy security will be a key topic of discussion with U.S. Counterparts. The administration hopes to leverage the visit to strengthen energy cooperation and explore potential partnerships.
In a separate development, President Marcos met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in July 2025 to discuss security and economic ties. During that meeting, Trump announced the intention to impose a 19% tariff on imports from the Philippines as part of a broader trade deal, a point that remains under negotiation as of November 2025, according to President Marcos.