Philippine fuel supply may last until the second week of May with one million barrels expected soon, according to the Department of Energy. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the average supply stood at 45 days as of March 20, down from 55-57 days when the Middle East war began nearly a month ago.
MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the country had an average of 45 days’ fuel supply as of March 20, with specifics: LPG at 23 days, jet fuel at 38 days, diesel at 45 days, gasoline at 53 days, fuel oil at 61 days, and kerosene at 97 days, based on average daily demand from April to September 2025. This is down from 55-57 days when the Middle East war began nearly a month ago, following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran, which has led Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. “Kung tataas po ‘yan, iiksi po ‘yung number of days natin. Kung steady lang siya, 45 days ‘yan,” Garin said at a press conference on Tuesday, March 24, describing the supply as still “manageable” and “not yet alarming” unless it drops to 15 days. She maintained that stocks remain at a “comfortable level.” State-run Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has contracted 400,000 barrels from a Southeast Asian nation and is finalizing negotiations for 600,000 more from outside the region, for a total of one million barrels costing P10 billion, enough for about five days or one week. PNOC plans to spend P20 billion on two million barrels of reserve fuel. The DOE has authorized fuel companies to purchase from PNOC if their stocks run low. The government has held “successful dialogues” with South Korea, India, Japan, and even China, while DOE and PNOC work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade and Industry on diplomatic channels to secure supply beyond mid-May. Garin appealed for fuel conservation by the public and private sectors and urged petroleum businesses not to profiteer. This week’s price increases: P8 to P12 per liter for gasoline (P82.60 to P102.50 pump prices), P15 to P18 for diesel (P107 to P134), and P12 to P22 for kerosene. Makati Business Club chairman Edgar Chua said the government should plan sector prioritization if shortages occur.
