Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for the accelerated implementation of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) amid rising instability in global energy markets driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Gatchalian warned that external shocks continue to threaten fuel supply stability across Southeast Asia and emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation on energy security.

He said the Philippines, as host of this year’s ASEAN Summit, is in a strategic position to lead efforts in activating APSA and placing it at the center of the regional agenda.

Under APSA’s Coordinated Emergency Response Measures (CERM), ASEAN member states may provide petroleum support to any country experiencing a critical shortage equivalent to at least 10% of normal domestic demand for 30 consecutive days.

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East highlights just how easily external shocks can compromise our energy supplies, threatening the economic growth of ASEAN member states,” Gatchalian said, who chairs the Senate PROTECT ad hoc committee.

Signed in 2009, APSA is a regional framework based on mutual aid and cooperation among ASEAN countries during energy emergencies to help stabilize petroleum supply.

“As host of the ASEAN Summit this year, we have the platform to make this long-standing agreement active and operational,” he added.