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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Fuel cut, travel ban: Mayor Isko braces Manila for global oil crisis

Fuel cut, travel ban: Mayor Isko braces Manila for global oil crisis

Published Mar 2, 2026 09:17 am
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno signs Executive Order No. 7, directing all city government offices to cut fuel consumption by 50 percent as a precautionary measure against potential oil supply disruptions and rising fuel prices caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno signs Executive Order No. 7, directing all city government offices to cut fuel consumption by 50 percent as a precautionary measure against potential oil supply disruptions and rising fuel prices caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered an immediate 50-percent reduction in fuel consumption across all city government operations, citing looming global oil supply disruptions caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Under Executive Order No. 7, series of 2026, signed Monday, March 2, Domagoso said the city must act early to cushion the impact of expected fuel price spikes linked to tensions involving Iran and the reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
“The City government of Manila must act to protect public funds, maintain essential public services and reduce exposure to fuel supply and price shocks by instituting immediate fuel conservation measures,” Domagoso said.
The mayor warned that continued hostilities and military operations in the Middle East could trigger volatility in global oil markets, potentially affecting the fiscal stability of local governments and increasing operational costs.
Sweeping conservation measures
The directive requires all departments, bureaus, and offices of the City Government of Manila to cut fuel use by at least half, covering official vehicles, generators, heavy equipment, and other fuel-dependent assets.
City offices were also instructed to:
Prohibit all non-essential travel by government personnel
Suspend “lakbay-aral” activities and foreign trips unless critical
Shift meetings with Manila’s 896 barangays, 44 health centers, and seven city hospitals to virtual platforms
Optimize vehicle routes, consolidate trips, and reduce unnecessary mileage
Graduation ceremonies in public elementary and secondary schools will also be held within respective campuses to minimize travel and ease fuel-related expenses for families.
Electricity conservation measures are likewise required in city facilities, including switching off power by 5 p.m., reducing non-essential lighting, and adjusting cooling systems. Flexible work arrangements such as staggered shifts, compressed workweeks, and remote work will also be implemented where feasible.
Essential services unaffected
Domagoso clarified that emergency and frontline services will continue without interruption. Exempted from the restrictions are police, fire, and ambulance operations, public health and disaster response units, garbage collection, traffic management, and other essential services.
The order also warns that violations of fuel-use and travel restrictions may result in administrative sanctions, including suspension of fuel privileges and penalties under civil service regulations.
Preventive move vs. economic impact
City officials said the aggressive conservation policy is intended as a preventive measure to ensure uninterrupted delivery of public services while safeguarding Manila’s financial resources from the impact of rising fuel costs.
The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until global fuel supply conditions stabilize, according to the mayor.
“This is about preparedness,” Domagoso said, emphasizing the need for early action to shield the city from external economic shocks.

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