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MANILA – The Philippines declared a state of national energy emergency on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens global fuel supplies and price stability. The declaration underscores the Philippines’ vulnerability to geopolitical instability and its reliance on imported energy sources.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Issued the order amid increasing risks to the domestic fuel supply and overall energy security, according to a statement released Tuesday evening. The move comes as concerns mount over potential disruptions to oil production and transportation, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Just hours before the announcement, the Philippine Department of Energy revealed plans to boost electricity generation from coal-fired power plants in an effort to curb rising electricity rates. This shift highlights the difficult choices facing nations grappling with energy security concerns amid escalating global tensions.
“A national emergency is hereby proclaimed considering the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as the dangers to the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply,” the executive order stated, as reported by AFP.
The order authorizes the Department of Energy to make advance payments of up to 15 percent to secure fuel contracts and to take direct action against hoarding or unfair profiteering. President Marcos has also directed the Department of Transportation to consider subsidizing fuel for public transportation and to suspend or reduce toll fees and aviation charges, while expediting assistance to individuals facing hardship.
The Philippines, which has some of the highest energy costs in the region, is heavily dependent on imported fuels to power its electricity generation. The country relies on coal for approximately 60 percent of its power generation.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained that, with the increasing cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the nation will temporarily increase its reliance on the higher-emission fossil fuel. The government is exploring options to maximize local coal production and potentially increase purchases from major suppliers, including Indonesia.
“We are talking to the power companies, the coal power plants, to check how much they can increase their electricity production,” Garin said, adding that this could be implemented as early as April 1. “If You can implement this, at least we can reduce the increase in electricity rates due to the conflict in the Middle East.”
Indonesia has assured the Philippines that it will not restrict coal orders, according to officials.
In January, President Marcos announced the discovery of “significant” natural gas reserves near the Malampaya offshore gas field. This discovery is expected to extend the lifespan of the field, which currently supplies around 40 percent of Luzon island’s electricity and was projected to deplete in the coming years.
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Reliance on Coal Increases
The archipelagic nation of 116 million people depends on coal for around 60 percent of its electricity generation.
Indonesia Will Not Limit Coal Orders
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