Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has officially activated a ₱20-billion emergency fund to safeguard the country’s fuel supply against the ongoing volatility in the global oil market.
The strategic move is a proactive response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which continues to threaten international energy stability. By securing these funds, the Administration aims to shield Filipino consumers and vital industries from external supply shocks and ensure the continuous availability of petroleum products nationwide.
The emergency allocation will bankroll the DOE’s Emergency Energy Security Program. Key components of the program include:
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Mass Procurement: The acquisition of up to 2 million barrels of refined petroleum products.
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LPG Augmentation: Strategic sourcing to stabilize the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households and businesses.
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Inventory Building: Domestic stockbuilding to create a reliable buffer against sudden global disruptions.
The Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) and the PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC) have been designated as the primary implementing agencies for these operations.
The fund is designed to ensure that the “wheels of the economy” keep turning. By maintaining a stable fuel reserve, the government aims to prevent operational delays in high-priority sectors, including:
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Food Logistics and Agriculture
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Public and Private Transport
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Power Generation
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Industrial Manufacturing. “This is a strong intervention by the President to strengthen the country’s fuel security amid global oil market disruptions,” said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. “The government is taking concrete and proactive steps to secure fuel supply, maintain orderly market conditions, and protect the welfare of every Filipino motorist.”
Beyond procurement, the DOE is working closely with industry stakeholders to monitor supply chains and enforce strict compliance with existing regulations. The Department reiterated its commitment to preventing unjustified price hikes, market abuse, and artificial supply constraints during this period of global uncertainty.
The Administration views this intervention not merely as a fiscal measure, but as a necessary step to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted and that the Filipino workforce remains mobile.
