MARCOS: GROUNDING PLANES DUE TO FUEL SHORTAGE ‘DISTINCT POSSIBILITY’

MANILA, March 24 (Bernama-PNA)  -- Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the grounding of airplanes is a “distinct possibility” on account of a potential jet fuel shortage linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. 

Philippine news agency reported Marcos, in an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, cited limitations in crude oil supply and slower jet fuel production as key concerns affecting airline operations.

“With a scarcity, shall we say, the limitation now on crude supply, the refining of jet fuel takes a longer time. And so, we will have to depend on what is already readily available,” he said.

Marcos also noted that some countries have imposed restrictions on refueling foreign aircraft, forcing airlines to carry sufficient fuel for return trips.

The latest development, he said, is complicating international operations.

“When our airlines fly out, several countries have said we cannot fuel your aircraft. So, you will have to carry the fuel there and back. And that’s around here. And the long haul is going to be a much more serious problem,” Marcos said.

Asked whether the recent developments could lead to planes being grounded, Marcos said the country is hoping to avoid such a scenario but acknowledged the risk.

“We’re hoping not, but it’s a possibility. It’s a distinct possibility,” he said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Tuesday the Philippines still has an adequate fuel supply until the second weekend of May, according to PNA.

Garin said the country has an average supply of about 45 days, based on discussions with fuel companies, noting that the estimated remaining domestic supply is 53.14 days for petrol; 45.82 days for diesel; 97.93 days for kerosene; 38.62 days for jet fuel; 61.49 days for fuel oil; and 23.51 days for liquified petroleum gas.

She added that the government has engaged with its counterparts from supplier countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and China.

-- BERNAMA-PNA