MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has successfully bolstered the country’s energy security amidst regional instability, extending the estimated national oil supply to 64 days.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin presented the updated inventory to the Senate Protect committee on Monday, April 13, 2026. The extension comes as a relief to a nation grappling with the economic ripples of the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has heightened concerns over global fuel supply chains.
As of April 10, the DOE reported an average baseline supply of 50.31 days, which was significantly augmented by a fresh order equivalent to an additional 14 days.
The current inventory levels per petroleum product are as follows:
- Gasoline: 54.38 days
- Diesel: 48.9 days
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): 36.27 days
- Kerosene: 104.73 days
- Jet Fuel: 67.65 days
- Fuel Oil: 45.96 days
When questioned by senators on why the Philippines cannot maintain a 90-to-120-day buffer—similar to some larger economies—Secretary Garin pointed to a physical infrastructure bottleneck.
- Limited Capacity: The country’s current oil storage facilities are not built to hold more than a 60-to-70-day supply at any given time.
- Rolling Inventory: The supply functions on a “rollover” basis, where stocks are continuously replenished as they are consumed.
- Strategic Buffer: While a 64-day supply is considered stable for the short term, the DOE is continuously managing incoming shipments to prevent the inventory from dipping below the 50-day average.
The energy chief also detailed the complexities of securing oil during a regional war, noting that supply stability often depends on the type of contract and the specific country of origin.
- South Korea: Garin noted that South Korea has committed to honoring all long-term contracts despite the global crisis.
- China: The situation is more nuanced; while private companies are generally allowed to fulfill deliveries, contracts with Chinese state-owned firms are currently facing significant hurdles and may not be delivered.
- Malaysia: The DOE recently confirmed the arrival of 329,000 barrels of diesel from Malaysia, providing a critical boost to the transport and industrial sectors.
Secretary Garin assured the public that should the current geopolitical situation “stay the same,” the Philippines will maintain its 50-day average supply through constant replenishment. However, the DOE remains on high alert, monitoring alternative shipping routes to avoid the volatile Strait of Hormuz and other conflict zones.
The Senate Protect committee emphasized the need for long-term investments in expanded storage infrastructure to give the Philippines a more robust cushion against future global energy shocks.