The Philippines has taken several measures in order to bring down energy use, including a four-day workweek for government staff and orders to cut the use of electricity and fuel costs in government agencies.
Government offices were told in early March to implement flexible working arrangements where practical, turn off lights and computers during lunch breaks, and adjust air conditioning unit thermostats to no lower than 75 degrees.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a video message that the four-day workweek would be temporary and does not include emergency services.
“With the expected global oil price increase, the government is preparing measures to reduce its impact on Filipino families,” the Facebook caption for the video said.
The Philippines is vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict, as it “relies on the Middle East for almost 90% of its oil supply,” according to ING Think.
On March 18, Marcos said that the country is seeking alternative sources of petroleum products and asked the public not to worry.
“We are trying to find different methods to provide subsidies to give assistance,” said Marcos in a press address. “The problem is that oil prices are very volatile. We can’t anticipate them. So we are still adjusting right now.”
