Philippines Energy Emergency: Iran Conflict & National Response

Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Declared a state of national energy emergency on Tuesday, March 25, 2026, in response to escalating disruptions in global energy markets stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The declaration, formalized through an executive order, grants the government expanded authority to safeguard the country’s energy security, according to a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

The Philippines, which imports 98% of its oil from the Gulf region, has experienced a more than doubling of diesel and petrol prices since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. The emergency declaration aims to provide the government with the legal framework to implement measures ensuring energy stability and protecting the broader economy, officials stated.

Under the order, a committee has been established to oversee the orderly distribution of essential goods, including fuel, food, and medicines. The government is also empowered to directly procure fuel and petroleum products to bolster supplies, and potentially make advance payments for contracts, as outlined in the executive order. The declaration will remain in effect for one year unless extended or lifted by President Marcos Jr.

The move follows calls from several senators who urged the president to acknowledge the “emergency-level” hardship faced by Filipino families due to soaring oil prices. On Tuesday, fuel prices spiked again, reaching more than double their pre-war levels.

However, the declaration has drawn criticism from labor groups. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) characterized the emergency declaration as an “admission” of the government’s failure to address the oil crisis, accusing the administration of initially downplaying the severity of the situation.

The Al Jazeera reported that transport workers, commuters, and consumer groups are planning a two-day strike beginning Thursday to protest rising fuel costs and what they perceive as the Marcos administration’s slow response.

In a related development, Energy Secretary announced plans to increase output from the country’s coal-fired power plants to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs. The Guardian reported that this move signals a potential shift in energy policy as the Philippines seeks to navigate the crisis.

Farmers groups have also requested inclusion in the crisis committee, seeking representation in discussions regarding the impact of the energy emergency on the agricultural sector, according to Inquirer.net. The government has not yet responded to this request.

The Philippines is the first country globally to declare a state of national energy emergency in response to the conflict in Iran, according to the BBC. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, has been effectively closed, exacerbating the global energy supply disruption.