The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing the procurement of more electric vehicles to replace regular patrol cars amid concerns on the rising costs and potential supply disruptions of petroleum products.

But PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said there is a need to conduct an assessment and thorough study into the practicality and long-term benefits of having electric vehicles as patrol cars.

“For an agency that is dependent on fuel in its daily operation, we view the Middle East tensions as a wake-up call for us to revisit the policy on patrol vehicle procurement. But we need to conduct our own study and assessment first on whether or not electric vehicles are practical, reliable and suitable to the daily routine of our personnel on the ground,” said Nartatez.

Experts earlier warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East will affect the global oil trade and eventually result in surge of prices of petroleum products.

Nartatez acknowledged that the conflict will likely affect the supply of petroleum products and raise operational costs for law enforcement.

He said every increase in price of petroleum products is an added expense to the operational cost in every police unit.  

While the use of electric vehicles is being studied, Nartatez pointed out that the daily requirement in police operations that include fast and reliable response must not be compromised. 

“Part of the study is its operational suitability, public safety remains the top priority,” he said.