The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) are rolling out government-procured diesel supplies to help protect electricity supply in remote and off-grid communities across the country.

In a media release issued Monday, the DOE said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the sale of diesel secured by the Philippine National Oil Company–Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) at PHP 80 per liter for power providers operating in missionary areas not connected to the main grid.

Under the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program, PNOC-EC will sell up to 45 million liters of diesel over the next three months to new power providers (NPPs) and microgrid system providers (MGSPs) serving off-grid communities.

Missionary areas are remote communities that are not connected to the Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao power grids and often rely on diesel-fired power generation.

The DOE said the measure aims to sustain generation operations, prevent power interruptions, and cushion consumers from sharp increases in electricity rates.

“Providing assistance for the diesel requirements of power providers serving missionary areas is a concrete and proactive measure to help protect electricity access and the welfare of thousands of Filipinos living in remote and island communities outside the main grid,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

The DOE said the initiative follows President Marcos’ directive to ensure uninterrupted and affordable electricity supply in provinces and communities outside the country’s main grids.

“Let’s not forget the small power utilities,” President Marcos said during the sixth UPLIFT Committee meeting.

UPLIFT, or the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, is the government’s intervention program under Executive Order No. 110, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency in response to global oil market volatility.

“By supporting the fuel requirements of off-grid power providers, we are helping sustain reliable and affordable electricity service for remote and island communities that depend on diesel-fueled generation,” Garin said.

The DOE said the initiative is expected to strengthen energy resilience in island provinces such as Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Siquijor, where electricity supply remains heavily dependent on diesel generation.

“Safeguarding power supply in these communities is an economic imperative: ensuring that residents can continue to work, study, and access essential services,” said NPC President and CEO Jericho “Koko” Nograles.

The DOE also disclosed that the country’s national fuel buffer stock reached 178.33 million liters of diesel as of April 27 under the Emergency Energy Security Program.

According to the agency, all four diesel shipments secured under the program have also already arrived in Batangas, Subic, and Davao City.

As global oil market volatility continues, should the Philippines accelerate long-term alternatives to diesel dependence in off-grid communities?

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