Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno has ordered a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption across City Hall operations, citing rising global oil market risks linked to the escalating conflict in Iran and the reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Under Executive Order No. 7, series of 2026, signed Monday, March 2, Moreno warned that intensifying Middle East hostilities and Operation Epic Fury—the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran—could disrupt global fuel supplies and trigger price spikes.
“The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East and Operation Epic Fury will contribute to significant global oil market volatility, supply disruptions, and upward pressure on fuel prices, with adverse effects on the national and local economy and the fiscal position of the City of Manila,” the order read.
Moreno pointed out that Iran’s reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could obstruct the passage of around 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, underscoring the need for precautionary measures at the local level.
“The City government of Manila must protect public funds, maintain essential services, and reduce exposure to fuel supply and price shocks by instituting immediate fuel conservation measures,” he said.
The directive aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential public services while safeguarding the city’s finances from the potential impact of global fuel market instability.