MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Filipinos on March 18, 2026, that despite the surge in global oil prices, “everything is normal” and there is no need to hoard fuel or basic goods, emphasizing that supply levels remain stable and the government is keeping the situation under control.

Marcos made the statement during a joint price and supply monitoring activity conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Agora Market in San Juan City. The President personally inspected stalls and spoke with vendors to assess the impact of rising oil prices on food and consumer goods.

“So far, we’ve been able to keep everything at normal levels. Everything is normal. No need to hoard. Our vendors are cooperating,” Marcos said, noting that the government is closely monitoring both supply chains and price movements to prevent panic buying and artificial shortages.

The assurance comes amid double-digit fuel price hikes announced earlier this month, with increases ranging from ₱17 to ₱24 per liter depending on the oil retailer. The Department of Energy (DOE) attributed the surge to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil supply and driven up costs.

Marcos emphasized that while fuel prices are rising, the supply of basic goods, farm inputs, and food items remains stable, and the government is prepared to implement measures such as fuel tax relief and targeted subsidies if necessary. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid hoarding, which could worsen the situation.

The President’s remarks highlight the administration’s effort to balance economic stability with consumer confidence amid global market volatility. By assuring that “everything is normal,” Marcos aims to prevent panic buying and reinforce trust in government interventions designed to cushion the impact of oil price shocks.

This latest statement underscores the government’s stance that the Philippines is facing a price challenge rather than a supply crisis, echoing earlier clarifications from the DOE. For now, authorities continue to monitor developments closely, with the President reiterating that the country’s supply chains remain intact despite external pressures.