Citing the escalating conflict in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Manila's city government enacts fuel-saving measures to mitigate impacts on operations and economy.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has issued Executive Order No. 7, series of 2026, mandating a 50% cut in fuel consumption across all operations of Manila City Hall. This move responds to the mounting tensions in the Middle East — particularly the conflict involving Iran and joint US-Israel military actions dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — which threaten global oil supply stability.
Moreno highlighted that Iran’s blockade of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz disrupts about 20% of the world’s oil shipments, increasing volatility and driving fuel prices upward. With potential repercussions on both national and local economies, the Manila city government aims to protect public funds and maintain essential services by enforcing fuel conservation.
All city departments, bureaus, and offices are required to reduce fuel use for government vehicles, generators, heavy equipment, and other assets by at least half. Measures include optimizing vehicle routes, consolidating deliveries, and prohibiting non-essential travel — defined as trips that can be deferred, replaced by virtual meetings, or otherwise avoided without disrupting service delivery. All educational “lakbay-aral” activities and foreign trips are suspended unless critical.
Electricity conservation is also mandated, with offices turning off power by 5 p.m., except for city-run hospitals and healthcare facilities. Meetings with barangays, health centers, hospitals, and satellite offices will shift to online platforms. Graduation ceremonies will be held on school campuses to reduce transportation-related fuel consumption. Flexible working arrangements such as staggered shifts and remote work are encouraged.
Emergency and critical services such as police, fire, ambulance, public health, disaster management, garbage collection, and traffic control are exempt from the fuel cut. Violations may lead to administrative actions, including suspension of fuel privileges.
The executive order took effect immediately on March 2, 2026, and will remain until officials determine fuel conditions have stabilized.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/978414/isko-moreno-orders-50-fuel-cut-for-manila-city-operations-amid-looming-oil-crisis/story/
