A gas attendant fills the tank of a motorcycle rider at a gas station in Tondo, Manila on March 2, 2026. Retailers increased prices per liter of gasoline by PHP1.90, diesel by PHP1.20 and kerosene by PHP1.50 on March 3. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
The government has begun closely monitoring gas stations nationwide as it ramps up efforts to cushion the possible impact of rising global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang said on Saturday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to prepare contingency measures to address potential fuel price volatility that could affect Filipino consumers.
“Ang mensahe ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. patungkol sa ating paghahanda ay nararapat at napapanahon. Nais ng Pangulo na maging handa sa anumang sitwasyon lalo pa at hindi pa nahihinto ang kasalukuyang kondisyon sa Middle East,” Castro said, emphasizing the administration’s call for vigilance as the geopolitical situation continues to evolve.
Castro cited a statement from Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin, who said the government is implementing a whole-of-government approach that includes tighter monitoring and stricter enforcement among fuel retailers to prevent irregular price movements.
Garin noted that even before the President publicly addressed the issue, Marcos had already issued marching orders to relevant agencies to prepare possible interventions that would help shield the public from sudden price shocks.
“Hence, for the whole of government approach, including the monitoring and discipline of gas stations,” Garin said.
Under the President’s directive, Garin stressed that any fuel price adjustments must strictly follow the scheduled pricing mechanism, warning that unauthorized or premature increases will not be tolerated.
The DOE has also intensified inspections of fuel stations in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guard against hoarding, profiteering, and other forms of supply manipulation.
According to Garin, the administration wants government agencies to remain alert to protect consumers from any attempt to exploit the situation.
“Hindi panahon na matulog lang ng mahimbing dahil tayo ang talo kapag nagpakampante ang gobyerno,” Garin said.
At the same time, Garin urged the public not to resort to panic buying, assuring Filipinos that the country maintains sufficient fuel supply and that authorities are closely monitoring developments in the global oil market.
She echoed Marcos’ call for preparedness, saying the directive reflects the administration’s concern for Filipino households that could feel the impact of oil price fluctuations should the Middle East conflict intensify.
“The message from no less than the President is a manifestation of his concern for our country and each Filipino household. We need to prepare for the impact of the Middle East war in our daily lives. Announcing it is more prudent,” Garin said.
The DOE said it will continue providing regular updates as the situation develops.
“We urge the public to remain calm. The government is taking the necessary steps to ensure stable fuel supply and fair pricing nationwide,” the agency said.