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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Economy devider DBM releases ₱20 billion to secure fuel supply amid oil supply crunch risk

DBM releases ₱20 billion to secure fuel supply amid oil supply crunch risk

Published Mar 25, 2026 01:54 pm

At A Glance

  • To cushion Filipinos from surging pump prices and fuel shortages caused by ongoing Middle East tensions, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of ₱20 billion to the Department of Energy (DOE).

To cushion Filipinos from surging pump prices and fuel shortages caused by ongoing Middle East tensions, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of ₱20 billion to the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The move comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted global oil production and distribution, posing serious risks to domestic fuel supply and the continuity of essential services,” the DBM said in a statement on Wednesday, March 25.

Formalized through a special allotment release order (SARO) and notice of cash allocation (NCA), the allocation is designed to secure the country’s fuel supply.

According to the Budget department, the ₱20 billion is sourced from the Malampaya Gas Fund under the special account in the general fund (SAGF). Using this fund allows the government to address urgent energy security needs without diverting resources from other programs.

The intervention supports the government’s emergency energy security program, focusing on stabilizing fuel availability, cushioning the impact of volatile global oil prices, and preventing domestic supply shortages.

Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo said the swift approval follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure collective resilience against fuel disruptions.

“This is the government acting ahead of the crisis, not reacting after the damage is done,” Toledo said, stressing that the move protects everyday Filipinos—drivers, delivery riders, farmers, and frontliners—since any fuel shortage can disrupt the entire economy.

The DBM said the funds will be used to purchase diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to bulk up the national inventory, helping critical sectors continue operating smoothly.

For this measure, state-run Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) has already begun procurement activities to immediately augment domestic supply.

Toledo described the move as a reflection of “fiscal discipline,” using public funds to keep the economy moving and goods flowing.

Under the current administration, the government seeks to stay resilient by acting proactively. “We anticipate, we prepare, and we act—so that services continue and the lives of every Filipino go on uninterrupted,” the Budget chief said.

Related Tags

DBM DOE Fuel Middle East Oil crisis
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