Only 60 Days of Oil Supply? What Travellers in the Philippines Should Know

Only about 50–60 days of oil supply remain in the Philippines, according to government estimates. With global tensions still affecting energy markets and conflicts overseas ongoing, travellers may be wondering: Could flights become more expensive? Will bus, ferry, or ride-hailing fares rise? Could your next trip cost more than expected?

The figure refers to fuel inventories currently stored in the country, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil. These act as a buffer stock, meant to sustain national consumption if imports were disrupted. The breakdown is roughly:

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• Diesel: ~50 days

• Gasoline: ~51 days

• Fuel oil: ~51 days

• Kerosene: ~67 days

This does not represent the total fuel the Philippines can access. Shipments continue arriving from multiple international suppliers, so the country can replenish its stocks regularly. While the Philippines relies heavily on imported fuel, it does not depend on a single supplier.

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Global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are what travellers should watch. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant portion of the world’s oil exports, and any disruption there can push global oil prices higher, affecting importing countries like the Philippines. Even fuel refined in nearby hubs such as Singapore or South Korea often originates from Middle Eastern crude.

For travellers, the most likely impact is higher travel costs rather than fuel shortages. Airlines may adjust ticket prices or add fuel surcharges, while buses, ferries, and ride-hailing services could implement gradual fare increases if operating costs rise.

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Officials, including Ferdinand Marcos Jr., say the country currently has sufficient fuel reserves while monitoring global developments. Authorities are coordinating with suppliers and exploring alternative sources to maintain steady deliveries.

For those planning trips, the message is clear: fuel supply in the Philippines remains stable, but travellers should be aware that global oil price fluctuations could make flights and transport slightly more expensive in the coming months.