Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption in city government operations in anticipation of a possible oil shock triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating conflict in Iran.
Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 7, series of 2026, on Monday, 2 March, citing concerns over global oil market volatility.
The order states that “the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East and Operation Epic Fury in full effect (the Joint US-Israel Strike against Iran) will eventually contribute in the 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."
It added that Iran declared a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, physically blocking the flow of 20 percent of the world’s oil.
“With this, the City government of Manila must act to protect public funds, maintain essential public services and reduce exposure to fuel supply and price shocks by instituting immediate fuel conservation measures.”
Under the order, all city departments, bureaus and offices must achieve at least a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption covering motor vehicles, generators, heavy equipment and other fuel-using assets owned, leased or operated by the city.
Offices are encouraged to optimize vehicle routes, consolidate deliveries and minimize mileage.
The order prohibits all non-essential travel of city officials and staff.
“'Non-essential Travel' means travel that can be deferred, replaced by virtual meetings or otherwise avoided without materially affecting service delivery,” the Mayor said.
All “lakbay-aral” activities and foreign trips are suspended unless deemed critical to city operations.
City offices, except LGU-run hospitals and healthcare facilities, are required to implement electricity conservation measures, including switching off power at 5 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 elementary and secondary schools will be held within their respective campuses to reduce travel and fuel-related burdens on families.
The order also allows staggered shifts, compressed workweeks and remote work arrangements where feasible. It mandates reductions in non-essential lighting and adjustments to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in city-owned facilities.
Exempted from the restrictions are emergency response operations such as police, fire and ambulance services; public health and disaster risk reduction operations; garbage collection and hauling; traffic management; and other functions deemed essential by the Mayor.
Violations of the travel and fuel-use provisions will be subject to administrative investigation and penalties under civil service rules, including suspension of fuel privileges and other sanctions.
The order takes effect immediately and will remain in force until the Mayor determines that emergency fuel conditions have stabilized.