Lacson tells people: Avoid panic buying
Published Mar 19, 2026 09:41 pm
NEGROS Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II attend a recent virtual local chief executives’ briefing with the Department of Energy (DOE). (Capitol PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has called on the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying as concerns rise over the ongoing oil crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Lacson joined a virtual local chief executives’ briefing on Tuesday, March 17, with the Department of Energy (DOE) focusing on updates regarding the country’s oil supply and potential contingency measures on the local level.
According to Lacson, the briefing underscored the importance of proactive coordination among local government units (LGUs) to ensure energy security and preparedness in case supply challenges worsen.
Lacson, in a media briefing Wednesday, March 18, said that Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella presented the overall situation and noted that the country still has more than 30 days of oil inventory.
Lacson said that the government is exploring alternative oil suppliers, particularly in anticipation of possible disruptions in key routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
As part of precautionary measures, the government encouraged LGUs to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent by limiting unnecessary travel and minimizing vehicle use.
Despite concerns, Lacson clarified that normal economic activities—such as bulk purchases by sugar farms—can continue, stressing that these are routine transactions and not a form of hoarding.
On fuel prices, Lacson said the DOE currently considers local prices reasonable relative to international market costs.
However, he acknowledged that prolonged instability could lead to higher prices, especially affecting commodities like rice due to increased diesel costs.
“There is no need for panic buying. The supply is there,” Lacson said. “But if the situation continues, we really need to tighten our belts. I hope the situation improves in the Middle East.”
He called on the private sector to cooperate by conserving resources and urged the public to avoid non-essential travel.
Lacson is hopeful and prays for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. “We are a small and very Catholic country. We pray that a solution to this crisis will soon be found,” he said.