Isko Moreno orders 50% fuel cut for Manila city operations amid looming oil crisis

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has ordered a 50% reduction in fuel consumption across City Hall operations, citing the escalating conflict in Iran and the reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as threats to global oil supply.

Under Executive Order No. 7, series of 2026, signed Monday, March 2, Moreno warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict and “Operation Epic Fury”—the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran—could disrupt fuel supplies and drive up prices.

“The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East and Operation Epic Fury will contribute to 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,” the order read.

Moreno noted that Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz physically obstructs the flow of 20% of the world’s oil, prompting Manila to act preemptively.

“The City government of Manila must protect public funds, maintain essential services, and reduce exposure to fuel supply and price shocks by instituting immediate fuel conservation measures,” he said.

50% fuel reduction across all departments

The order directs all city departments, bureaus, and offices to cut fuel use by at least 50%, covering government vehicles, generators, heavy equipment, and other fuel-consuming assets.

Offices are instructed to optimize vehicle routes, consolidate deliveries, and minimize mileage.

"Non-essential travel" by city officials and staff is prohibited, which Moreno defined as "travel that can be deferred, replaced by virtual meetings, or otherwise avoided without affecting service delivery." 

All “lakbay-aral” activities and foreign trips are suspended unless critical to city operations.

Online meetings and campus graduations

Except for LGU-run hospitals and healthcare facilities, city offices must also implement electricity conservation measures, including switching off power by 5:00 p.m.

Meetings with Manila’s 896 barangays, 44 city health centers, seven hospitals, and district satellite offices will be conducted online.

Graduation ceremonies in public schools will be held on campus to reduce travel and ease fuel-related expenses for families.

The order also allows staggered work shifts, compressed workweeks, and remote work arrangements where feasible.

Non-essential lighting must be reduced, and air-conditioning systems adjusted in city-owned facilities.

Essential services exempted

Emergency and critical services—including police, fire, ambulance, public health, disaster risk reduction, garbage collection, traffic management, and other essential functions—are exempt.

Violations may result in administrative investigation and penalties under civil service rules, including suspension of fuel privileges.

The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until Moreno determines that fuel conditions have stabilized.—MCG, GMA Integrated News