Timeline
March 22, 2026 — March 31, 2026
World
Timeline: How the Philippines Energy Crisis Unfolded During the US-Iran War
As the US-Iran conflict disrupted global oil markets in March 2026, the Philippines—heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude imports—faced a cascading energy crisis. Over 10 days, the nation progressed from allowing dirtier fuels to declaring a national emergency, with warnings of possible flight groundings and fuel rationing as supplies dwindled.
6 events · 9 days · 14 source articles
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Moderate
Philippines Authorizes Use of Dirtier, Cheaper Fuel
The Department of Energy announced it would temporarily allow the use of Euro-II compliant petroleum products—a cheaper but more polluting fuel—for older vehicles, jeepneys, power plants, and marine sectors. This marked the first official government response to ensure fuel supply continuity amid the Middle East crisis. The measure reversed Manila's previous commitment to cleaner Euro-IV compliant fuels.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Major
President Marcos Warns Flight Groundings Are 'Distinct Possibility'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg that grounding planes due to jet fuel shortages was a 'distinct possibility.' He revealed that several countries had already informed Philippine airlines they could not refuel aircraft, forcing planes to carry fuel for round trips. Marcos noted that long-haul flights would face the most serious problems as the crisis deepened.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Major
National Energy Emergency Declared
President Marcos officially declared a state of national energy emergency, citing 'imminent danger' to the country's energy supply from the Middle East conflict. He signed Executive Order 110, establishing a committee to ensure orderly movement and distribution of fuel, food, medicines, and other essential goods. The declaration acknowledged severe supply chain disruptions and volatile international oil prices threatening the nation's energy security.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026
Moderate
Transport Workers Plan Two-Day Strike Over Fuel Crisis
Philippine transport unions, commuters, and consumer groups announced plans for a two-day strike starting Thursday to protest soaring fuel prices and the government's response. Transport unions criticized the emergency declaration as a 'superficial band-aid' that failed to address the root causes of the fuel crisis, highlighting growing public frustration with the administration's handling of the situation.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026
Major
Philippine Airlines Chief Warns of Possible Fuel Rationing
Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall said the country may need to resort to fuel rationing, similar to measures already implemented in other nations. While the airline had secured fuel supplies through the end of June, Nuttall stated they had 'no visibility' beyond that point. He confirmed that some countries were already requiring airlines to 'tank fuel in and out,' and the Philippines would likely need to adopt similar practices.
Tue, Mar 31, 2026
Major
Philippines Records World's Sharpest Petrol Price Increases
Foreign Policy reported that the Philippines had experienced one of the world's sharpest increases in petrol prices, rising more than 50 percent in a single month. Diesel prices had nearly doubled during the same period. The government committee was working to mitigate the impact on vital sectors and exploring ways for the private sector to reduce fossil fuel consumption as the crisis continued.
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