President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of “national energy emergency,” warning that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is threatening the country’s fuel supply and power stability.
The declaration, announced on Tuesday, came hours after the Department of Energy disclosed plans to increase output from coal-fired power plants to stabilise electricity prices and prevent widespread disruptions.
Officials said the move was necessitated by growing uncertainty in global gas shipments, which have been affected by the war, tightening supply and driving up prices across international markets.
“We are facing a situation where external events, beyond our control, are beginning to pose real risks to our domestic energy supply, This declaration allows government to take proactive and decisive measures to secure power for our people.” President Marcos said.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the country was already feeling the strain of supply disruptions, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG), which many power plants depend on.
“We have to prepare for possible shortfalls in gas supply. Increasing coal generation is a temporary but necessary measure to ensure that electricity remains available and affordable,” Lotilla said.
He added, “Our priority is to shield consumers from sudden spikes in electricity costs while maintaining grid stability.”
The Philippines, one of Southeast Asia’s most import-dependent energy markets, relies heavily on fuel imports to keep its power sector running. Analysts note that this dependence makes the country particularly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
According to government estimates, a significant portion of the country’s power generation mix is tied to imported coal and gas, leaving it exposed to price volatility.
“We cannot ignore the reality that global conflicts are now directly impacting our energy security, This is about ensuring that homes stay powered and industries continue to operate,” a senior energy official said at the briefing.
While the shift to coal is expected to provide short-term relief, it has raised environmental concerns among advocacy groups, who argue that it could slow the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
In response, the government insisted the measure is temporary.
“This is not a reversal of our renewable energy goals, It is a calibrated response to an extraordinary situation. Our long-term direction towards sustainable energy remains unchanged,” Marcos said.
Experts say the emergency declaration may also pave the way for policy adjustments, including accelerated energy procurement, subsidies, and incentives to diversify the country’s energy mix.
As global energy markets remain volatile, authorities warned that further interventions may be necessary to protect consumers and ensure uninterrupted power supply in the months ahead.