President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure there will be no brownouts or blackouts in off-grid islands despite the ongoing global oil crisis, according to Energy officials.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort on Rapido Hataw Balita on Thursday, April 30, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the President also ordered that electricity rates in these areas should not increase.

Garin noted that multiple government agencies are working together to address the situation, including the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

She said the DOE is pushing for the use of oil purchased by PNOC to provide preferential or discounted rates to oil-fired power plants. This move aims to ensure sufficient fuel supply in areas not connected to the main power grid.

Garin emphasized the commitment of government agencies and stakeholders to keep electricity affordable, reduce the incidence of power interruptions, and protect communities in remote islands.

She also clarified that there have been no power interruptions caused by a shortage of oil supply in off-grid areas.

The DOE expressed confidence that the country still has enough diesel supply, estimated to last for more than 54 days.