Fuel curbs tightened as oil prices surge, aligning with national energy-saving push

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Fuel conservation policies are enforced across offices to manage limited resources during ongoing oil price increases...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Fuel conservation policies are enforced across offices to manage limited resources during ongoing oil price increases. (File Photo)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Fuel prices continue to climb while global supply pressures remain uncertain, prompting local governments to act more decisively in managing resources. In Quezon, recent oil price hikes have begun to strain fuel allocations, prompting stricter enforcement of conservation policies across provincial offices.

Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan issued Executive Order No. DHT-08, Series of 2026, directing provincial offices to regulate fuel consumption and monitor usage across operations. The order requires coordinated implementation across departments, ensuring that resources are optimized while public services remain uninterrupted.



“Mahalaga ang pagtitipid sa gasolina upang matiyak na sapat ang ating suplay para sa mahahalagang serbisyo. Kailangan nating maging maagap sa pamamahala nito upang maiwasan ang pagkaantala ng operasyon ng pamahalaan,” Tan said.

The directive covers government-owned vehicles, heavy equipment, and fuel-powered machinery used in provincial operations. Rising fuel use has increased pressure on allocations, requiring tighter controls to sustain operations and prevent resource shortages.

Vehicle pooling and stricter trip scheduling are required to reduce unnecessary travel and fuel consumption across offices. Travel is limited to essential and official purposes, ensuring that fuel use is controlled while operational efficiency is maintained.

Non-essential trips, particularly those outside the province, are being minimized under stricter travel controls. Virtual meetings are encouraged whenever feasible, reducing travel demand while maintaining coordination among offices.

Departments are instructed to consolidate field activities and limit travel frequency to avoid duplication of work. Preventive maintenance is required for all vehicles, ensuring improved fuel efficiency and operational reliability.

Mechanically inefficient vehicles are temporarily suspended until necessary repairs are completed. Only roadworthy and fuel-efficient units are allowed for deployment, preventing waste and maximizing available fuel resources.

The conservation plan is not expected to disrupt frontline public services, with adjustments focused on internal operations and travel management. Service delivery remains a priority despite rising fuel costs, ensuring efficiency while protecting public funds.

“Hindi layunin ng mga hakbang na ito na bawasan ang serbisyo kundi palakasin ang ating kakayahang maghatid nito sa kabila ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Sa sama-samang pagkilos, mapapanatili natin ang operasyon at mapangangalagaan ang pondo ng bayan sa panahong ito ng kawalang katiyakan,” she added.

Sustained enforcement of fuel conservation measures will remain in place as long as global uncertainties continue to affect supply and pricing. The policy is expected to guide resource management moving forward, ensuring that essential services remain stable despite ongoing economic pressures.