President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (March 6) announced the implementation of a temporary 4-day work week in selected executive branches as the government braces itself for a fuel price surge driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The measure, starting on March 9, has the goal of conserving both electricity and fuel supply amidst issues in the global market driving up the prices of petroleum and oil products.

In a public address, Marcos said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have affected the transportation of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important routes in global oil transit.

“Kapag may kaguluhan sa rehiyong iyon, gumagalaw ang presyo ng langis, gumagalaw ang presyo ng kuryente, gumagalaw ang presyo ng lahat ng bilihin,” Marcos explained.

He pointed out how these disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz have affected countries all over the globe, especially countries like the Philippines which are heavily dependent on imported oil.

The President said petroleum prices are expected to increase in the coming week, with projected adjustments of about PHP 7.48 per liter for gasoline, PHP 17.28 per liter for diesel, and PHP 32.35 per liter for kerosene.

To cushion the impact of such a price hike, Marcos said that the government is working with the Congress to grant the President the temporary power to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products if the price of crude oil goes to USD 80 per barrel.

“Una, nakikipag-ugnayan na tayo sa Kongreso upang mapagkalooban ang Pangulo ng pansamantalang kapangyarihan upang bawasan ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo kung papalo ito sa 80 US dollars kada barrel,” he said.

The administration is also pushing for further support in the Biofuels Act of 2006, which allows the use of cheaper bioethanol blends to help address the price hike in fuel products. In addition, the government is planning to roll out fuel subsidies and cash transfers to help the sectors most affected by the rising prices.

Starting March 9, selected government executive branches will be implementing a temporary 4-day work week as part of broader efforts to conserve electricity and fuel supply.

“Simula sa lunes, ikasyam ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day workweek sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo,” Marcos said.

Offices that provide immediate public service such as medical services, firemen, or police services will not be affected. 

In line with these efforts, Marcos also called on all government agencies to strive to reduce their consumption of electricity and fuel by 10% to 20%.

Non-essential activities such as study tours, team-building events, and government travel that are not necessary will also be suspended, while meetings that can be conducted online are encouraged to shift to virtual means.

The announcement also comes as the government has intensified monitoring of the downstream oil industry following reports of alleged hoarding and profiteering at a gas station in Cebu, prompting authorities to warn businesses against exploiting rising fuel prices.

“Pinapaalala ko sa lahat na ang hoarding at ang profiteering ay labag sa batas,” Marcos stressed.

The President acknowledged that the Philippines is facing the consequences of a global conflict beyond its control but emphasized that the government is taking steps to protect the public.

“Hindi natin kontrolado ang digmaan, pero kontrolado natin kung paano natin poprotektahan ang Pilipino,” he said.

How can energy conservation measures help the country manage the impact of global fuel price shocks?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.