By Tracy Cabrera
WITH the possibility of a fuel shortage in the offing, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is said to be amenable to the proposed rationing of gasoline and diesel to ensure the country’s oil supply does not dry up.
On Monday, the cost of diesel shot up to PhP160 a liter and with a forecast of higher prices in the coming days, a proposal for fuel rationing was among the recommended measures to cushion the impact of skyrocketing petroleum product prices.
Other suggestions, however, included price caps and monthly cash assistance for minimum wage earners.
According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary and Palace press officer Clarissa ‘Claire’ Castro-Seechung, before any decision is made by the president, “all suggestions will be considered.” said in Filipino in a press briefing,
In the Philippines, the last time fuel was rationed was during the 1970 energy crisis.
“We will discuss this issue with (Energy) Secretary Sharon Garin,” Castro-Seechung pointed out.
Since the war in the Middle East started between the forces led by the United States and Israel against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to ships carrying vital oil supplies. With one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through the waterway, the deliveries and transport of oil have been disrupted.
To remedy the situation, the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Departments of Energy (DoE) and Foreign Affairs (DFA), negotiated with the Islamic government of Iran for the safe passage of Philippines-bound vessels, particularly those carrying oil.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro reported that Iran tagged the Philippines as a “non-hostile country,” which is seen as vital for the protection of Filipino seafarers and the country’s energy supply.
“Iranian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Seyed Abbas Araghchi, assured the safe and peaceful passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources and all Filipinos (through) the Strait of Hormuz,” Lazaro disclosed.
In the meantime, Castro-Seechung assured the public that the government is doing everything to mitigate the pressure and impact of the energy crisis, even as she stressed that, “In the midst of chaos, the government still remains on top… to ensure the welfare of the people.”
“Everyone can expect the president will lead all measures to maintain the supply of oil in the country,” she committed.
