The Philippine government has recorded a slight improvement in the national fuel reserve as it continues to navigate global supply volatilities.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, April 28, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the country’s fuel buffer stock has climbed to 54 days, up from the previous 52-day level.
This update followed a meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee in Malacañang, presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Beyond the supply security, the Palace also hinted at impending price reliefs for consumers.
“Sa ngayon ang buffer stock ng supply ng langis ay tumaas mula 52 hanggang 54 days. At napag-usapan din ang malawakang rollback sa presyo ng diesel,” Castro stated.
The briefing also addressed food security, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assuring the public of stable inventories for essential commodities.
According to Castro, the country maintains a sufficient supply of rice, poultry, and pork to last until the end of the year.
The UPLIFT committee’s role was recently formalized under Executive Order No. 110, signed by the President on March 24. The order declared a state of national energy emergency due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, granting the Chief Executive the authority to implement fuel allocation and conservation measures during critical shortages.
The government continues to monitor the situation through the UPLIFT framework, which focuses on five strategic pillars: saving lives, securing fuel supply, protecting vulnerable sectors, stabilizing food prices, and ensuring the continuity of electricity.