The Philippines has become the first nation to declare a national energy emergency in response to worsening global supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to local media reports, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order on Tuesday formally declaring the emergency, activating a nationwide strategy aimed at stabilizing energy supply and protecting the country’s economy from soaring fuel prices.
The declaration comes as global energy markets continue to experience volatility following escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have significantly disrupted oil and gas flows.
As part of its response, the Philippine government unveiled a comprehensive intervention programme known as the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT). The initiative is designed to cushion the impact of rising energy costs on key sectors of the economy, including transportation, agriculture, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Government officials explained that the emergency declaration enables a “whole-of-government” approach, allowing agencies to coordinate more effectively in managing fuel distribution, mobilizing national resources, and delivering targeted relief measures to vulnerable communities.
The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to global energy shocks, as it sources approximately 26 percent of its energy supplies from the Middle East. In 2024 alone, the country’s energy import bill reached an estimated $16 billion, highlighting its dependence on external supply chains.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the region, which escalated after joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran began on February 28. The situation has since intensified, with Tehran launching retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting US military assets.
A major turning point in the crisis has been Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The disruption of this route has sent shockwaves across global markets, particularly affecting Asian economies that rely heavily on Middle Eastern energy exports.
Analysts warn that the Philippines’ early declaration of an energy emergency underscores the severity of the crisis and may prompt other energy-dependent nations to adopt similar measures if disruptions persist.
Authorities in Manila have assured citizens that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the crisis, maintain steady fuel supply, and protect economic stability. However, experts caution that prolonged instability in global energy markets could pose significant challenges for the country and the broader region in the months ahead.
