Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday urged urgent measures to protect the Philippines’ energy security as political unrest in Iran continues to pressure global oil markets, pushing fuel and electricity prices higher.

In his proposed Senate Resolution No. 278, Gatchalian called for enhanced reporting, updated inventory assessments, contingency planning, and diversification of supply to cushion domestic consumers from potential shocks.

“Even though the Philippines does not import Iranian crude due to sanctions, instability in Iran can still push global oil prices up because the petroleum market is interconnected,” he said.

He noted that domestic fuel prices have already climbed in recent weeks, with another round of hikes expected, and warned that sustained increases could also drive up electricity costs—particularly in off-grid and missionary areas reliant on diesel-powered plants under the National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group.

Citing Department of Energy data, Gatchalian emphasized that the Philippines remains a net importer of petroleum, with Middle Eastern sources accounting for 96.8 percent of crude oil imports in 2024, leaving the country highly vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

“The situation calls for proactive measures to secure our energy supply and protect Filipino consumers,” he stressed. (PNA)