Around 22.6 million liters of fuel—equivalent to about 142,000 barrels—have reached the Philippines as part of the first shipment secured by the Department of Energy (DOE).
The delivery comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110, authorizing the DOE and its attached agencies to procure fuel and other petroleum products to stabilize supply amid the ongoing oil crisis triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
According to the DOE on Thursday, the government is targeting the procurement of more than 1.8 million additional barrels to further bolster the country’s fuel reserves.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin assured the public that the department continues to closely monitor supply levels to ensure availability.
“Ang mabilis na pagdating ng diesel na ito ay bahagi ng mga hakbang para hindi maantala ang biyahe, hanapbuhay, at pang-araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Garin said.
The DOE emphasized that the emergency procurement program is designed to safeguard the country’s energy security and prevent disruptions in transportation, livelihood, and daily activities.