City of Manila to cut fuel use by 50% amid tensions in Middle East

Manila orders LGU-wide 50% fuel use cut amid Middle East tensions

In response to potential petroleum price hikes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has signed Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2026, directing all city government departments to cut fuel consumption by at least 50%.

“The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East and Operation Epic Fury in full effect (the Joint US-Israel Strike against Iran) will eventually contribute in the significant global oil market volatility, supply disruptions and upward pressure on fuel prices with adverse effects on the national and local economy and the fiscal position of the City of Manila,” said Domagoso.

“The country of Iran declared a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, thus, the flow of 20% of the world’s oil is physically blocked. The City government of Manila must act to protect public funds, maintain essential public services and reduce exposure to fuel supply and price shocks by instituting immediate fuel conservation measures,” he added.

The directive immediately suspends all non-essential travel for city officials and staff, defines such travel as trips that can be deferred, replaced by virtual meetings, or avoided without affecting services, and halts “Lakbay-aral” activities and foreign trips unless critical. Offices are urged to optimize vehicle routes, consolidate deliveries, minimize mileage, and adopt electricity-saving measures, including shutting down power at 5:00 PM.

Graduation ceremonies in public schools will be held on-campus to ease travel burdens, while meetings with barangays, health centers, hospitals, and satellite offices will be conducted online. The order allows staggered shifts, compressed workweeks, and remote work where feasible, along with reductions in non-essential lighting and adjustments to air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

Meanwhile, essential services, such as police, fire, ambulance, public health, disaster response, garbage collection, traffic management, and other critical functions, are exempt from the directive. Violations of fuel-use and travel restrictions will face administrative sanctions and penalties, including suspension of fuel privileges. The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until fuel conditions stabilize.