Philippine president declares national energy emergency

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines, on March 24, declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict, Reuters reports.

Marcos said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and other essential goods.

In an executive order shared with media, Marcos said the conflict had created uncertainty in global energy markets, severe supply chain disruption and significant volatility and upward pressure on international oil prices "thereby posing a threat to the country’s energy security".

"The declaration of a state of national energy emergency will enable the government ... to implement responsive and coordinated measures under existing laws to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy," he said.

The declaration will remain in effect for one year.