The impact of the global energy crunch is becoming increasingly visible across the Philippines as the Philippine National Police (PNP) reports that 375 gas stations nationwide remain shuttered.
According to the latest monitoring from the PNP’s regional offices, these closures are a direct result of the thinning supply and the prohibitive costs associated with the current oil crisis. The data highlights a growing concern for logistics, public transport, and the general motoring public, particularly in provincial areas where the distance between functional refueling stations is rapidly increasing.
The PNP report indicates that while Metro Manila has seen fewer total closures, the “dead zones” for fuel are concentrated in Northern Luzon and parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. In these regions, smaller, independent “white station” retailers are the hardest hit, as they lack the deep financial reserves of major industry players like Petron, Shell, or Caltex.
“Many of these stations simply cannot afford to replenish their underground tanks at current market rates,” a police official involved in the monitoring task force explained. The closures are not just a matter of supply; for many owners, operating at a loss due to the high acquisition cost of fuel is no longer sustainable.
The PNP’s involvement in tracking gas station operations stems from the need to maintain public order. With fewer stations open, long queues have become a common sight, occasionally leading to traffic congestion and heated disputes among motorists.
Police units have been instructed to increase patrols near operational stations to prevent hoarding and ensure that the “first-come, first-served” rule is respected. There are also concerns regarding the potential for “black market” fuel sales—where unregulated and often diluted gasoline is sold in containers at exorbitant prices—prompting the PNP to coordinate closely with the Department of Energy (DOE) to crack down on illegal retailers.
The closure of nearly 400 stations is sending ripples through the country’s supply chain. Delivery trucks transporting agricultural goods from the provinces to urban centers are facing longer turnaround times as they navigate around closed stations.
Economists warn that if the number of closures continues to rise, the added “logistics premium” will inevitably be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for rice, vegetables, and other essential commodities. The “transportation desert” created by these closures is becoming a significant hurdle for the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
As the report reaches the hands of policymakers, there is growing pressure on the national government to provide more than just subsidies. Calls for a temporary suspension of the excise tax on fuel or a more aggressive state-led fuel procurement program are gaining momentum in the legislature.
For now, the PNP continues to monitor the situation daily. Motorists are advised to plan their trips carefully, keep their tanks at least half-full whenever possible, and use mobile apps to check the status of stations along their intended routes.