MANILA — Philippine energy officials assured senators that despite the ongoing global oil shock, the country will not experience power outages, even as fuel prices continue to climb sharply. The Department of Energy (DOE) emphasized that the electricity supply remains stable and that contingency measures are in place to protect consumers.

During a Senate hearing on March 24, 2026, DOE representatives explained that while the Middle East conflict has disrupted global oil production and pushed local pump prices to record highs, the Philippines’ power generation mix is not heavily dependent on oil. Officials noted that coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources account for the majority of the country’s electricity supply, reducing the risk of widespread blackouts.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara told senators that the DOE is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with power producers to ensure stability. “We assure the public that the oil shock will not lead to power outages,” she said, adding that the department has prepared emergency protocols should the crisis worsen.

Fuel prices, however, remain a pressing concern. The DOE warned that diesel could reach P134 per liter this week, while gasoline may climb to P112 per liter. These increases are expected to strain households and businesses, prompting the government to roll out subsidies and cash aid programs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order 110, citing the need to secure fuel supplies and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The order mandates urgent measures to stabilize the energy sector, including subsidies for public transport and incentives for alternative energy investments.

Despite the DOE’s assurances, several senators pressed the administration to acknowledge the oil crunch as a full-blown crisis. Senator Bam Aquino argued that “many Filipino families are already experiencing emergency-level hardship due to rising fuel costs,” urging Malacañang to take stronger action.

The Senate hearing highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining power stability and addressing the economic impact of soaring fuel prices. While electricity supply appears secure, the broader energy emergency underscores the vulnerability of the Philippines as a net importer of oil.

For now, energy officials maintain that the country’s power grid will remain stable, but the government faces mounting pressure to cushion the effects of the oil shock on consumers and industries. The coming weeks will test whether subsidies and emergency measures can ease the burden without triggering deeper economic disruptions.