MARCH 11, 2026 — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that the Philippines is actively seeking alternative oil suppliers amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, as global fuel prices continue to climb and uncertainty grips the market. This move signals a critical pivot in the country’s energy strategy, with talks already underway with non-traditional oil-producing nations.

Motorists across Metro Manila have already felt the sting of fresh price hikes, with long lines forming at gas stations as the Iran conflict disrupts global supply chains. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin reassured Congress that current stockpiles can last until April, but admitted that “we’re preparing for the worst” should the crisis drag on.

President Marcos, speaking in New York before flying back to Manila, was candid about the challenge, saying, “Naghahanap tayo ng iba’t ibang lugar na makapagbigay ng supply sa atin.”

(We are looking for different places that can provide us with supply.)

He added, “We are talking to many other countries who we normally do not buy oil from but hopefully we will be able to come to an agreement with them and that we will get further supply from them.”

The President also underscored the unpredictability of the situation.

“The real problem here that everybody is having to deal with is hindi natin alam kung gaano katagal ito (we don’t know how long this will last),” he pointed out.

For us, this is more than just a geopolitical headline — it’s about the price of jeepney fares, the cost of groceries, and the daily grind. Every peso added to fuel costs ripples through transport, food, and electricity. 

So the government’s search for new suppliers is not just about diversifying sources but about cushioning the public from the volatility of global markets.

The upbeat part? By opening talks with countries outside our usual supply chain, the Philippines could gain leverage and flexibility. It’s a reminder that in a world where wars and crises can spike oil prices overnight, resilience comes from having options.

Do you think these new oil deals will actually keep our wallets safe from the next round of global price hikes, or are we just bracing ourselves for the hit?

(Image: Philippine News Agency | Facebook)