Hundreds of fuel stations in the Philippines shut down

30/03/2026

Hundreds of fuel stations in the Philippines shut down

MANILA, Mar 30: Hundreds of fuel stations have shut down across the Philippines following a national emergency declaration aimed at addressing an escalating energy shortage linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Philippine National Police reported that 365 gasoline stations have closed due to supply constraints, while authorities recorded at least seven cases of fuel hoarding and profiteering, according to the Philippines News Agency.

Manila declared the emergency as oil imports from the Middle East declined amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippines relies heavily on imported fuel, sourcing around 90% of its energy needs and spending approximately $16 billion on oil in 2024.

To ease the shortfall, the government has procured 2.48 million barrels of Russian crude oil. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is open to resuming talks with China on a joint oil and gas development project in the disputed South China Sea, noting that territorial disagreements have long stalled progress.

Relations between Manila and Beijing remain strained due to competing claims in the contested maritime region.