As the government moves to meet the demand in the country amid the regional conflict in the Middle East.
On Sunday, March 22, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued Department Circular No. DC2026-03-0010, which authorizes the temporary and controlled introduction of Euro II petroleum products for selected transport and industrial uses in the Philippines.
It is as a contingency measure designed to help safeguard the country’s fuel supply amid continued volatility in global oil markets, specifically with the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and continue to strain global petroleum markets.
The DOE said the measure is intended to “help maintain a continuous, adequate, and accessible fuel supply, while allowing limited flexibility for sectors that may be affected.”
Furthermore, it also emphasized that the authority is interim, narrowly targeted, and strictly regulated and will not replace the country’s Euro IV fuel standards—which remain in force under existing laws and regulations.
The measure was also adopted following consultations with the oil and automotive industries from March 16 to 18 to ensure that the policy is technically feasible and operationally manageable.
Under the said circular, the interim use of Euro II fuels is limited to in-use vehicle models from 2015 and earlier, traditional jeepneys, industrial applications such as powerplants and generators, and the marine and shipping industry only.
To prevent misuse and preserve product integrity, downstream oil industry participants are required to maintain full segregation of Euro II and the standard Euro IV fuels across storage, transport, and retail systems.
“Participants intending to offer Euro II/2 fuels must also notify the DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), and identify the retail outlets where such products will be made available,” further noted the DOE.
The DOE said compliance will be enforced through random product sampling and testing across downstream oil facilities and warned that fuel adulteration, non-compliance with prescribed quality specifications, and other violations will be subject to penalties under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
To protect consumers, the MC likewise requires the posting of clear and prominent advisories at fuel stations and other retail outlets offering Euro II products, which must clearly state that the fuel carries Euro II specifications and that consumers must verify vehicle compatibility before use.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated, “We are adopting a prudent and temporary measure to help ensure an adequate and accessible fuel supply for sectors that may require limited flexibility during this period.”
She added, “This interim authority is subject to strict quality controls, clear notification requirements, and appropriate consumer protection measures. Our objective is to uphold fuel supply security while remaining guided by safety, regulatory discipline, and the broader public interest.”
Lastly, the DOE reaffirmed that it will continue to monitor global market developments closely and implement necessary measures, when warranted, to help protect fuel supply, preserve market stability, and safeguard the public interest.
