MANILA DAILY - 24 MARCH 2026
Marcos Warns Flight Groundings Possible as Jet Fuel Crisis Deepens; Vietnam Pursues Russian Oil Imports as Regional States Deploy Emergency Measures
Philippines faces potential flight groundings as Iran war triggers jet fuel crisis
President Marcos stated grounding planes is a "distinct possibility" due to jet fuel shortages from the Iran war. Several countries have already refused to refuel Philippine aircraft.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr warned March 24 that grounding flights is a distinct possibility as jet fuel shortages intensify from the Iran war, marking his first public acknowledgment of potential emergency aviation restrictions. Marcos stated several countries have already refused to fuel Philippine airlines, forcing carriers to transport fuel round-trip. No details on which countries are refusing refueling services, how many Philippine carriers are affected, or what volume of jet fuel inventories Philippine airports currently maintain appeared in coverage. Vietnam announced March 24 it is leaning on Russia to weather the energy turmoil, reflecting broader Southeast Asian urgency to secure alternative petroleum sources. The absence of statements from Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, or other Cabinet officials on the jet fuel crisis extended the presidential messaging vacuum to its sixth consecutive day. No information on whether Manila will coordinate with regional states on fuel-sharing arrangements or joint procurement appeared. END SUMMARY.
