President Bongbong Marcos is set to study a proposal to ration fuel in the Philippines as the government responds to risks linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Malacañang said Monday.President Bongbong Marcos is set to study a proposal to ration fuel in the Philippines as the government responds to risks linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Malacañang said Monday.
The proposal focuses on limiting fuel purchases to ensure the country’s oil supply does not run out if global disruptions affect availability. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President is open to reviewing the measure along with other recommendations raised by lawmakers.
“All suggestions will be considered,” Castro said in Filipino during a press briefing when asked about enforcing fuel purchasing limits to conserve energy stocks.
The Palace is also studying measures to address rising petroleum prices. Castro said these include the possible imposition of price caps and the distribution of monthly cash assistance for minimum wage earners.
The review comes as tensions in the Middle East continue, with the government monitoring the situation due to its impact on oil supply. Malacañang confirmed that discussions will be held with the Department of Energy before any decision is made.
“We will discuss this with (Department of Energy) Secretary Sharon S. Garin” Castro said.
Fuel rationing has been implemented in the Philippines before during the 1970 energy crisis, when supply constraints led the government to regulate fuel access.
The current proposal remains under study, with Malacañang indicating that multiple options are being reviewed to manage supply and address the effects of rising fuel prices.
