PAL assures it has enough fuel supply 'for the foreseeable future'
Philippine Airlines announced it has enough jet fuel supply to sustain its operations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 25, the flag carrier said it "has secured sufficient jet fuel supply to support scheduled operations, including long-haul flights, for the foreseeable future."
PAL added that it's closely observing global and regional developments on jet fuel supply and pricing.
The airline has put measures in place to anticipate any changes.
"As part of prudent planning, PAL continues to work closely with fuel suppliers, industry partners, and government stakeholders to ensure stable and efficient operations over the longer term," it continued.
The announcement came on the heels of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. saying, in an interview with Bloomberg, that the Philippines may need to ground flights due to fuel supply concerns.
He said some countries are restricting refueling for foreign aircraft, which complicates the international operations of flights originating from the Philippines.
"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 if this development would lead to planes being grounded, Marcos replied, "We're hoping not, but it's a possibility. It's a distinct possibility."
In an online press conference on March 24, Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that as of now, fuel supply for the whole country will last until the second week of May.
The war in the Middle East, entering its fourth week, has set off the global rush for fuel supply. In reaction to attacks from the US and Israel, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a quarter of the world's sea-borne oil supply passes.
