The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency in response to the war in Iran and the country’s economy. It became the first country in the world to do so amid conflict in the Middle East.
In an executive order on Tuesday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said there was an “imminent danger of critically low power supply.” “Urgent measures are necessary” to ensure the stability of energy supplies, the continuity of economic activity and the provision of essential services, he said.
The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Persian Gulf. As of March 20, the Southeast Asian nation said it had 45 days of oil reserves left.
The last time the Philippines declared a state of national emergency was during the COVID pandemic in 2020. The country imposed one of the strictest restrictions in the world.
The declaration of a national energy emergency will be in effect for one year unless otherwise extended or revoked by the President.
