The Philippines’ Department of Energy steps up sustained interventions to shield consumers from oil price shocks, stabilize fuel supply, and accelerate the shift to renewable and indigenous energy sources, as the ADB cites the country’s strong policy response to global market volatility. 
BUSINESS

Fuel subsidy program expands nationwide with tighter oversight

Maria Bernadette Romero

The government has expanded its P10-per-liter Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP) to all fuel retailers nationwide, giving public utility jeepney and UV Express drivers wider access to fuel assistance.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday the nationwide rollout makes subsidies more accessible while enforcing stricter compliance rules for participating fuel stations.

“Every driver who depends on the road to earn a living deserves a fuel station nearby that can serve them under this program,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said. “Through this initiative, we are helping ensure that energy remains an enabler of livelihood and mobility, not a burden.”

The FSP is part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport Program, launched after the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency under Executive Order No. 110.

Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to P1,500 per vehicle weekly for three months.

As of 18 May, government data showed 938 fuel stations nationwide were fully operational under the program — 616 in Luzon, 172 in the Visayas, and 150 in Mindanao.

The DOE said participating fuel retailers must meet stricter operational and reporting standards. Stations are required to complete onboarding, process subsidy transactions for qualified beneficiaries, maintain required systems and signage, set up designated FSP lanes, and comply with government monitoring and validation rules.

Fuel stations that fail to comply may face suspension or cancellation of their Certificate of Compliance, the DOE said.