Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged ASEAN members to activate a regional fuel-sharing mechanism during the 48th [1] ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
The move follows escalating conflict in the Middle East that threatens the Strait of Hormuz. Because ASEAN nations rely heavily on these trade routes, disruptions could jeopardize energy imports and food security across the region.
Speaking on April 15, 2026 [2], Marcos said the fallout from the Middle East crisis could cause long-term economic damage. He said the instability puts critical infrastructure and energy systems at risk while undermining global trust.
The president called for an agile response from the 11 [1] member states to mitigate the impact of the war. A regional fuel-sharing pact would allow member countries to support one another during supply shocks, reducing the vulnerability of individual nations to price spikes or shortages.
Marcos said the current crisis is not merely a distant geopolitical issue but a direct threat to the economic stability of Southeast Asia. He said the region must prioritize energy security to prevent lasting damage to its growth trajectory.
The summit plenary in Cebu served as the primary venue for these warnings. The Philippine leader said coordinated action is necessary to ensure that fuel and food supplies remain stable despite the ongoing volatility in the Middle East.
“disruptions from the Middle East conflict could cause long‑term economic damage”
The push for a fuel-sharing mechanism signals a shift toward greater energy interdependence among ASEAN nations to hedge against volatile global markets. By formalizing a collective response to supply chain disruptions in the Middle East, the bloc aims to reduce its reliance on singular, high-risk transit points like the Strait of Hormuz.
