Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not ruled out grounding commercial aircraft as the country grapples with worsening fuel shortages driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking to Bloomberg in an exclusive interview, Marcos pointed to tightening crude oil supplies and slower refining timelines as key pressure points. “We will have to depend on what is already readily available,” he said.
The concern extends beyond domestic supply. Marcos noted that airports in several countries have begun restricting refueling access for foreign aircraft — a development that would force Philippine-registered planes to carry enough fuel on departure to complete a full round trip without relying on refueling abroad.
When asked directly whether the Philippines could be forced to ground flights, Marcos did not dismiss the scenario. “We’re hoping not, but it’s a possibility. It’s a distinct possibility,” he said.
Fuel prices in the country have already climbed to record levels, with per-liter costs rising by double digits. Analysts expect inflation to climb further if Middle East hostilities continue into the coming weeks.
The government is moving to soften the economic blow through a combination of fuel subsidies, toll discounts, and reduced train fares. How long those measures hold against a prolonged supply disruption remains an open question.
