An energy official on Tuesday, March 24, disclosed the possibility of supply disruptions in a worst-case scenario tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During the first organizational meeting of the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin warned that the country could face a severe fuel shortage if global supply routes are significantly disrupted.

“The worst case is we run dry. This country runs dry,” Garin said, referring to a scenario where oil shipments are halted, including a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Garin said that the country has roughly a month to a month and a half to prepare contingency measures should the Middle East situation worsen.

Prior to this, Gatchalian asked the DOE regarding the country’s current fuel buffer after the agency stated that the gasoline supply would last around 53 days and diesel about 46 days. He questioned whether firm supply contracts are already in place beyond those timelines.

Garin said oil companies continue to place orders regularly—typically twice a month—and that existing suppliers have so far confirmed deliveries for April, with no reported cancellations.

She acknowledged that supply planning remains constrained by storage capacity and financing limitations, resulting in what Gatchalian described as a “hand-to-mouth” situation.

DOE estimates that the gasoline supply could stretch to about 64 days, while diesel may last around 54 days, factoring in incoming deliveries. Beyond that, Garin said the government and oil firms would need to continuously secure new shipments.

Despite the risks, Garin expressed confidence that a total supply shortage remains unlikely, adding that the more probable impact would be significantly higher fuel prices.

“I do believe that will not happen,” she said, referring to a complete depletion of supply. “The worst case is the prices will be really high.”

To mitigate risks, the DOE said it is exploring alternative suppliers outside the Philippines’ usual sources in the Middle East, including the United States and India, to diversify supply chains.