March 11, 2026
Philippines' government agencies to provide subsidies to agri workers as Middle East conflict push up fuel prices
Key government agencies in the Philippines are set to give subsidies to agricultural workers and public utility drivers to help them cope with the expected increase in fuel prices arising from the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also meeting with manufacturers to discuss the possibility of holding prices of essential goods at current levels to help consumers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on March 4 said it is prepared to provide up to ₱150 million (US$2.68 million) worth of fuel subsidies to some 25,500 eligible fishers and farmers nationwide.
"This is what we can immediately distribute to our farmers and fisherfolk who may be affected if the problem in the Middle East continues," Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a press briefing. "Anytime, we can release the [subsidy] funds."
The agriculture official said the agency has ₱100 million (US$1.79 million) in fuel subsidies available for immediate disbursement, while the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release an additional ₱50 million (US$0.89 million) once global oil prices rise significantly.
De Mesa explained that the DBM will release the money after the initial ₱100 million (US$1.79 million) in subsidy funding has been distributed and crude oil prices reach or exceed US$80 per barrel.
The DA also assured the public of stable rice supply and prices despite the intensified conflict in the Middle East, owing to its sufficient stocks.
According to the DA's master list, 9,700 farmers and 15,800 fishers are qualified to receive financial assistance and De Mesa said the agency would prioritize those who have not received any subsidy in the past years.
Under the DA's existing guidelines, qualified fisherfolk will receive ₱3,000 (US$53.70) each, while eligible farmers will get ₱5,000 (US$89.50) each.
The one-time fuel assistance is provided to farmers and fisherfolk who own or rent agricultural machinery or equipment for their fishing or farming operations, are duly registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, and use agricultural machines or equipment that are not harmful to the environment.
Beneficiaries will receive a fuel assistance card loaded with a fixed amount to buy fuel at accredited fuel stations.
In the case of farmers or fishers situated in far-flung areas, fuel vouchers will be given.
On March 3, oil companies jacked up prices of diesel and kerosene by ₱1.20 (US$0.021) and ₱1.50 (US$0.027) per liter, respectively, marking the 10th consecutive price hike for diesel. Gasoline rose by ₱1.90 (US$0.034) per liter, the eighth consecutive week of price increases.
The Department of Energy earlier said it would ask industry players to stagger local pump price increases if fuel import costs continue to surge due to the conflict in the Middle East.
— Philippine Dairy Inquirer