The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering strategies to cushion the Philippines’ food systems against potential oil shocks driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned that prolonged geopolitical strain could quickly affect the agriculture sector through higher fuel and fertilizer prices, as well as increased freight costs.
“We have seen this during past oil shocks, and we are now looking at ways to manage the impact on our food systems and on the country’s food security,” he said.
The DA emphasized its close monitoring of developments in the Gulf region, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for world oil supplies.
The department noted that disruptions along this corridor have historically triggered spikes in global crude prices, tightening energy markets, and amplifying volatility across commodity supply chains.
“We are concerned about the intensifying conflict between the US and Iran as it might increase oil prices over an extended period, affecting petroleum-based fertilizers, freight costs, and the fuel that powers the machinery our farmers use and the boats our fishermen rely on,” Tiu Laurel said.
He further noted that even distant conflicts can reshape domestic food costs while testing the stability of the local food supply chain.
“We have to balance fiscal prudence with the welfare of our food producers and consumers,” the DA chief added.