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Mark Ernest Villeza - The Philippine Star
March 18, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin maintained yesterday that the Philippines is not facing an oil crisis, stressing that fuel supply remains adequate despite record-high prices.
According to Garin, the issue stems from rising global oil prices rather than any supply shortage.
“There is no crisis in terms of supply. The problem is the price. The DOE and even oil companies cannot control the international market,” Garin said over radio dzMM yesterday.
“When we say crisis, it means there is no supply. That is not the case,” she added.
The energy chief issued the statement as oil firms implemented steep price hikes yesterday, with diesel prices projected to reach up to P114 per liter.
Industry players earlier estimated increases of P20.40 to P23.90 per liter for diesel, P12.90 to P16.60 for gasoline and P6.90 to P8.90 for kerosene.
Garin said the varying schedules of price adjustments reflect the country’s deregulated oil industry, where companies set their own prices.
“Deregulation means it is free for all. There are no fixed rules on pricing, so companies compete and set their own prices,” she said.
Despite the surge, Garin said the country maintains more than 30 days worth of fuel supply, allowing enough time to secure additional imports if necessary.
She noted that while traditional suppliers remain in place, the Philippines may also source fuel from more distant markets.
“There are still many exporters such as the United States, Russia and Canada. Supply is available, although it may be more expensive and sourced from farther locations,” she said.
The DOE is also exploring possible oil imports from Russia, with talks ongoing among government agencies and oil firms.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that we have a window to purchase from Russia, but it may only be until April,” she said.
The DOE is closely monitoring fuel distribution and warned against hoarding, noting that violators may face penalties.
Transport strike
Citing the worsening impact of rising fuel prices on drivers and vulnerable sectors, militant and rural-based organizations are mobilizing nationwide protests in support of a planned transport strike tomorrow.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said it is rallying cause-oriented groups to back the strike, stressing that oil price hikes continue to strain both the transport sector and the broader economy.
“We support the strike in solidarity with the transport sector but also because the oil price hikes gravely affect the local economy and aggravate the suffering of working people and their families,” Bayan secretary general Raymond Palatino said in a statement, renewing his call for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law to help temper petroleum prices.
Anakpawis national president Ariel Casilao, meanwhile, slammed the government’s inadequate response.
“The people couldn’t catch a break. Marginalized sectors, especially those from rural and urban poor communities, are already deep in debt,” he noted.
The group likewise questioned the government’s fuel subsidy program, which provides P5,000 for farmers and P3,000 for fisherfolk, calling it insufficient amid rising production costs.
Casilao said daily expenses for farmers and fisherfolk have surged by more than 60 percent, while government assistance remains limited.
He urged authorities to suspend value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum products to ease the burden of high fuel prices.
The strike is set to begin Thursday, following another round of significant fuel price hikes this week.
Meanwhile, Taytay, Palawan Bishop Broderick Pabillo yesterday advised Filipinos to remain calm and hold on to hope. The prelate also encouraged the public to live simply and deepen their faith, expressing belief that God will not abandon His people despite ongo ing challenges.
“The Lord will not forsake us. So we should not lose our trust in Him. We should rely on Him because He knows what is happening and He is doing something. We should deepen our faith in Him,” he said over Radio Veritas. — Emmanuel Tupas, Evelyn Macairan, Christine Boton
