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Helen Flores, Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
March 23, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Amid the fuel supply crisis, the Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized the importation of Euro 2 petroleum products, which produce higher emissions than the Euro 4 standard available in the country.
At the same time, talks are underway with several countries, including India, Japan and South Korea to secure oil, President Marcos said yesterday.
The Philippines relies heavily on Middle East crude, which accounts for roughly 98 percent of its imports, according to the DOE.
In a department circular, the DOE explained that it is allowing the temporary and controlled use of Euro 2 fuels in the transport and industrial sectors to help conserve the country’s depleting fuel reserves.
The interim use, however, is limited to in-use vehicle models from 2015 and earlier, traditional jeepneys and industrial applications such as power plants, as well as the marine and shipping sectors.
The fuel measure was adopted following consultations with the oil and automotive industries last week to ensure that the policy is both technically feasible and operationally manageable.
“We are adopting a prudent and temporary measure to help ensure an adequate and accessible fuel supply for sectors that may require limited flexibility during this period,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The DOE clarified that the authority is narrowly targeted and does not replace the Euro 4 fuel standards, which remain in force under existing laws and regulations.
To ensure proper handling and preserve product quality, oil companies are required to keep Euro 2 and Euro 4 fuels completely separate throughout storage, transport and distribution.
“This interim authority is subject to strict quality controls, clear notification requirements and appropriate consumer protection measures. Our objective is to uphold fuel supply security while remaining guided by safety, regulatory discipline and the broader public interest,” Garin said.
Oil companies must also notify the DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau, of their intent to use Euro 2 fuels and specify the retail outlets where such products will be offered.
The DOE said it will monitor compliance through random product sampling and testing across downstream oil facilities, warning that any violations will be subject to penalties under existing laws, rules and regulations.
Under a 2015 circular, the DOE mandated all oil industry players to comply with Euro 4 fuel specifications, pursuant to the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
Other fuel sources
Marcos said he had good discussions with other countries about securing oil, noting the advantage of the Philippines’ friendship with them.
“We are talking to our trade partners like India, but we are also including other countries and are reaching out to China, Japan, Brunei and South Korea for possible (oil) supply arrangements,” he said in a video message.
Marcos said the government is also expanding financial assistance to transport workers and other affected sectors.
Fuel subsidies have already been distributed to nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers, with additional aid set to roll out nationwide starting April 6, he said.
“We understand the clamor of our countrymen in this sector. But I want to reassure you, you will not be left behind. The government will not abandon you,” the President added.
Regarding electricity supply, Marcos said the government is talking to power companies to further increase the capacity of grids in the next 60 days.
Twenty-three power projects with a capacity of 900 megawatts are expected to go online to help with supply, he said.
On food security, Marcos said the P20 rice program is being implemented in 177 local government units, with plans to expand coverage.
“We have no problem with rice. The supply is sufficient and we can even control the price,” he said.
