Philippines and the ME War

@PalawOne

Oil prices ars higher but not as high as under Biden. Strait is closed by Iran but they no longer have a navy and US Navy plans to escort tankers with US-arranged insurance. Yesterday's price was $80.00 but lowered to $76.00 per bbl today. Actually not that high. This kind of news is not intended to tell the truth, it us intended to alarm people about boogeyman USA  to support Iran and never issue follow up information when it is known that the alarm was not founded.  Who does this? Supporters of the murderous "religious" dictatorship in Iran who would be happy to drop nukes on any of the countries we come from. Iran supporters of this evil regime, who murdered 32000 young Iranian men and wonen for the crime of protesting, likely include a number a members of this forum. Don't bother objecting. There is no excuse for any measure od support for them.

No-one should feel sorry for the Mullahs,  they're nasty and deserve everything they get. We should be sceptical about the actions of the Trump and Netanyahu administrations though. It was only months ago they bombed Iran and declared victory. Will their next declaration of victory be as long-lasting? With Trump and Netanyahu desperate for a distraction from their domestic woes, they 'discovered' an urgent need to bomb Iran AGAIN. The Mullahs truly are a gift that keeps on giving.

No-one should feel sorry for the Mullahs, they're nasty and deserve everything they get. We should be sceptical about the actions of the Trump and Netanyahu administrations though. It was only months ago they bombed Iran and declared victory. Will their next declaration of victory be as long-lasting? With Trump and Netanyahu desperate for a distraction from their domestic woes, they 'discovered' an urgent need to bomb Iran AGAIN. The Mullahs truly are a gift that keeps on giving. - @Brojeslov

Perfect post to sit on the fence with. Trump does something that 7 previous US presidents did not have the courage to do and here you are are taking no position at all, trying for the "high road". You are a mullah supporter whether you know it ir not. Your position is safe, nobody will criticize you but then, people who are not woke anti trumpers, like you, and don't deny it, they have to wonder, do you believe in anything at all? Do you believe in a flag? Justice? That murdering Americans for 47 years is wrong? No? Because you don't like Trump?

@danfinn

Today Trump called for an "immediate pardon" for Netanyahu, currently facing court on serious criminal charges, so "he can focus on the war." Hahahaha Could he be any more blatant? Come on Dan, this thing stinks to high heaven

@danfinn

You do know U.S. presidents have very limited, indirect control over global oil and gasoline prices, which are primarily driven by international supply, demand, and market speculation. While presidential policies on drilling permits, pipelines, or the release of Strategic Petroleum Reserves can influence market sentiment and long-term production, they rarely affect daily price fluctuations, which are driven by global factors.

@danfinn
You do know U.S. presidents have very limited, indirect control over global oil and gasoline prices, which are primarily driven by international supply, demand, and market speculation. While presidential policies on drilling permits, pipelines, or the release of Strategic Petroleum Reserves can influence market sentiment and long-term production, they rarely affect daily price fluctuations, which are driven by global factors. - @SimCityAT

Thank you. Please pardon me, I thought it was the US president who personally set worlwide oil prices 😆 Your AI is really good 😆

What I don't understand about gasoline prices, the world market price went up because what is happening in the near east.

But our cost of oil in the states should not reflect what is happening in the near east.

It is an excellent excuse to jack up gas prices in the states. In the US the actual production  cost is the same today as last week, last month or last year.

What I don't understand about gasoline prices, the world market price went up because what is happening in the near east.
But our cost of oil in the states should not reflect what is happening in the near east.

It is an excellent excuse to jack up gas prices in the states. In the US the actual production cost is the same today as last week, last month or last year. - @Enzyte Bob

Winners and losers Bob. US consumers will pay more at the pump. That will influence the Feds direction regarding interest rates as oil hikes feed into inflation on a range of goods. Like the greenback the American govt cannot influence the worldwide spot price of oil as a commodity. Its supply and demand and perception by the markets as to future supply.

However US oil and gas companies will benefit . Don’t forget that Uncle Sam is the world’s largest oil producer.

Mr T would like to replace Jerome Powell the current chairman of the Federal Reserve with his buddy Kevin Warsh hoping he will be more ‘doveish’ on interest rates.

The current aerial  attack on Iran, which incidentally I support, will make that job harder if the conflict goes tits up in the Gulf.

@Lotus Eater

What may be interesting is what happens when all that oil is finally put on the market at once, after the straits are open again. Producing countries apparently find it more expensive to shut down their wells then to basically give it away. There was a time a few years ago when the price went negative.

@danfinn
You do know U.S. presidents have very limited, indirect control over global oil and gasoline prices, which are primarily driven by international supply, demand, and market speculation. While presidential policies on drilling permits, pipelines, or the release of Strategic Petroleum Reserves can influence market sentiment and long-term production, they rarely affect daily price fluctuations, which are driven by global factors.  - @SimCityAT
Thank you. Please pardon me, I thought it was the US president who personally set worlwide oil prices 😆 Your AI is really good 😆 - @danfinn

Its a Fact! But never mind. Stop listening to Trump. Next you will be saying the president controls the egg prices.

@danfinn
You do know U.S. presidents have very limited, indirect control over global oil and gasoline prices, which are primarily driven by international supply, demand, and market speculation. While presidential policies on drilling permits, pipelines, or the release of Strategic Petroleum Reserves can influence market sentiment and long-term production, they rarely affect daily price fluctuations, which are driven by global factors. - @SimCityAT
Thank you. Please pardon me, I thought it was the US president who personally set worlwide oil prices 😆 Your AI is really good 😆 - @danfinn
Its a Fact! But never mind. Stop listening to Trump. Next you will be saying the president controls the egg prices. - @SimCityAT

Get off it. You have no intellectual standing to patronize other members of this forum. The most clueless amongst you is probably yourself.

SimCityAT said . . . . Stop listening to Trump. Next you will be saying the president controls the egg prices.

**************************

Amazing, here is a fellow from the UK living in Austria over a decade touting TDS on the Philippine forum.

The single biggest problem with threads like this is the pro-Trump lot will say anything to support their supreme leader, and that derails every thread.

This was supposed to be about the consequences for expats (and locals) in the Philippines,  but it's turned into a BS fest.

In fact, in my most humble of opinions, this war of aggression against a country that has suffered from US interference for decades is bad news for the world. That's oil prices and so on, but also attitudes towards American expats in many parts of the world - Hate directed against a whole population is bad news, but it's going to happen.

Biden, like the bloody idiot he is, started the decline when he stole Russia's money, thus weaponising US based payments systems, but Trump is the first president that leaders of mainsteam countries have openenly called out. Sure, tinpot dictators have been yapping like chihuahuas at US presidents for many a year, but you know something is wrong when the German chancellor and even the winp British PM goes aginst him in a very public way.

The upshot is, an utter idiot president sent countries away from US payment systems, and this bloated fool is turning everyone against the US in more general terms.

The Dollar is not in danger quite yet, but its power is melting like an iceberg in the tropics.

That will put the US in very serious danger of a bankruptcy that will make the great depression look like you lost 10 bucks out of your back pocket. In turn, the whole world will take a hit and, very likely, move closer to China.

Arguments about oil prices is like talking about which brand of sticking plaster to use when your arm has been severed after being hit by a train.

As to what will happen to the Philippines , that depends on their closeness to the US economy.

Indonesia will take a bashing, but we are a BRICS member that is moving away from US banking, so our hit will be lesser than the Philippines.

If that does happen, the US navy will have no money so be forced home to be scrapped, and that will change the world's defence dynamics. The vast majority of wars simply won't happen because the country that starts more than any other will be unable to run a navy. Israel is totally buggered when US arms and cash dry up.

Back to the Philippines,  and the hit they will take. I gather something like 85% of exports are to US customers - That will, probably within 10 years, dry up to nothing.

I can see whomever is in power saying a swift "Bye bye" to the US president, and a sweet hello to the Chinese leader. I give it 10 years max.

@Fred

Full stop. There is one person who mentioned Trump and if you ignore that person the thread can survive.

@Fred
Full stop. There is one person who mentioned Trump and if you ignore that person the thread can survive. - @danfinn

Very possibly.

The trick is to look at what has happened so far, then expand within reasonable possibilities.

Blind political crap us a waste of time.

Time is the main factor. In the short term, say a few months it's most likely to be fuel costs, but I would have to look at what types of fuel the Philippines imports,  and where it comes from to get a better idea.

What I don't understand about gasoline prices, the world market price went up because what is happening in the near east.
But our cost of oil in the states should not reflect what is happening in the near east.

It is an excellent excuse to jack up gas prices in the states. In the US the actual production cost is the same today as last week, last month or last year. - @Enzyte Bob

Sad yes Bob but one can only blame members joining OPEC, perhaps read the novel "the crash of 79".

Supply and demand, market control and yes, agree given the US independence with oil and gas production one wonders why the person that won't be named hasn't pulled out of that deal as it seems easy to negate plenty of others.

Aside here comes the beauty of stand alone power and EV's as many predict fuel costs will double or more in the next few months, it's going to be a killer. Yet another global calamity? Us older folk have seen/witnessed a few but still here.

We will pay more in the grocery store as all will but a larger majority of our fresh produce is local and assume only a very small price rise. In the mean time? No electricity bills, P 5K a year for fuel. For those here in the Philippines living day to day and searching for coins to fill their bikes and cars will now need notes.

The people who can least afford this crap are the poor souls that pay. The fools making choices don't care about the people that voted for them.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

What brought Fred back on this forum is his association with SimCityAT who both are active on the Absolutely Anything Else forum.

Fred is correct on future fuel costs, the breakdown of where China gets its oil from:

Saudi Arabia 14%

Iran 12%

Oman & Emirates 11%

Iraq 10%

Venezuela 4%

A total of 51%

It's not just China Bob, many countries rely on oil both heavy and light from gulf nations,,,,,, Affects us little but many it will big time both at the bowser and food prices, another chess game it seems.

Redactions of tariffs for India for a month for oil from Russia????? The mind does boggle.

Perhaps focus rings a bell?

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

It's not just China Bob, many countries rely on oil both heavy and light from gulf nations,,,,,, Affects us little but many it will big time both at the bowser and food prices, another chess game it seems.
Redactions of tariffs for India for a month for oil from Russia????? The mind does boggle.
Perhaps focus rings a bell?
OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I do believe your Australian "net zero" climate change scam policies have a much greater long term effect on your oil prices than the strait of hormuz issues. You people want 43% less oil than 2005 levels by 2030. Even the strait of hormuz won't get you there. Be happy that your gulf states oil is disappearing because that is what you people want.

Not sure what that was about Dan but we live in PH and are 95/98% net zero. Most of our use comes from the sun. 2 to 5% is generated by those that rely on your gulf states and negativity from non believers.

Cheers, Steve.

Not sure what that was about Dan but we live in PH and are 95/98% net zero. Most of our use comes from the sun. 2 to 5% is generated by those that rely on your gulf states and negativity from non believers.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

A sensible path.

The more independent you are (personally or as a country), the less a warmonger, inclement weather, or natural disasters need worry you.

Hydro is the big one, but wind and solar are well in the running. China is, as you would expect, the leader.

The Philippines,  as I understand it, runs at about 20% renewable energy - not enough to insulate the country from a fuel crisis.

I'm no less than shocked that more countries don't push more towards renewable energy, and more isolated towns don't create heir own. The latest mini-hydro plants are highly efficient , silent, totally harmless in every way, and have close to zero environmental impact.

There is a valid argument about investment costs, but those who push that are forgetting the insurance they have against some nutcase disrupting world oil supplies.

Qatar's Energy minister has suggested that several gulf states may be forced to stop oil production. He predicted a price of $150/barrel.

However, that's thought to be weeks away, and from a source with a dog in the race.

That puts people with solar in a far better position when compared those those without.

Well Fred and I did mention you in a post a week or 2 ago. Our week in Honk Kong was eyeopening as well as plenty of good feeds.

As an alternative energy advocate Whether wind, hydro or solar for over 30 years, refining and burning fossil reserves makes no sense both economically and environmentally especially the last 10 years as it is within reach for all but undeniably a personal choice/opinion. Definitely a long term investment to be independent but pays off.

We run a fully A/C home around 400M2 or 300M2 internal and a car all from the sun, sure a large investment with generally a 5/6 year return but Doh. Forest for the trees etc.

Obviously we care little the fuel price rises at home or wheels except the increased price at the check out and no matter Stand alone or oil reliant we are all going to feel that pinch.

What and who I do feel for is the average punter both here in PH. as well as plenty of other of countries is the stupidity generated now by fools that only think about themselves. Not the fool that voted for them or the fact that could soon be paying twice the price to top up the tank. They don't care.

Enough for now.

Cheers, Steve.

@Fred

Qatar is backing Iran. I would expect them to express whatever fear porn they can to pressure an end to US Israeli actions to protect their nations from murderous mullahs.

Glad I filled my tank the day before the war started.  Prices here went up 30 cents a gallon for gas already in the stations.  Aka capitalism.  Glad the prices went up to $2.50/ride for public bus rides while everyone over age 65 still rides for free.  Bad winter to stay in Pennsylvania. Gonna hit 75F this week. And the heat goes on.

Golly mugtech, was cold enough in Hong Kong for a week and very happy to be back living in 30C at home.

Cheers, Steve.

As an alternative energy advocate Whether wind, hydro or solar for over 30 years, refining and burning fossil reserves makes no sense both economically and environmentally - @bigpearl

Few care about the environment as it's a difficult concept to grasp - Everyone cares about cash.

Your plan is very sensible in general, but also far slighted. Renewable energy is often rejected for political reasons, but there are very likly going to be more than a few regrets about that error in the near future.

Money invested in oil stocks & the reinvested dividends compared to purchasing home solar systems is a better financial decision.

Also the stocks will appreciate while the solar system will depreciate. You can take your stocks & JD with you if you decide to move.

With indulging yourself with JD who gives a care about the environment.

Glad I filled my tank the day before the war started. Prices here went up 30 cents a gallon for gas already in the stations. Aka capitalism. Glad the prices went up to $2.50/ride for public bus rides while everyone over age 65 still rides for free. Bad winter to stay in Pennsylvania. Gonna hit 75F this week. And the heat goes on. - @mugtech

At 30 cents with a 20 gallon tank you saved $6.00.  Not enough for a Spanish latte at Starbucks.

At 30 cents with a 20 gallon tank you saved $6.00. Not enough for a Spanish latte at Starbucks. - @danfinn

That would be a waste as Starbucks is a pretty rubbish coffee shop chain.

Glad I filled my tank the day before the war started. Prices here went up 30 cents a gallon for gas already in the stations. Aka capitalism. Glad the prices went up to $2.50/ride for public bus rides while everyone over age 65 still rides for free. Bad winter to stay in Pennsylvania. Gonna hit 75F this week. And the heat goes on. - @mugtech
At 30 cents with a 20 gallon tank you saved $6.00. Not enough for a Spanish latte at Starbucks. - @danfinn

Just went up another 10 cents/gallon.  Glad I do not drink coffee, since it is not grown in the USA.

Not sure what that was about Dan but we live in PH and are 95/98% net zero. Most of our use comes from the sun. 2 to 5% is generated by those that rely on your gulf states and negativity from non believers.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I was trying to elevate the discussion a bit. You continuously reference your success with solar, and deservedly so but in the context of these discussions, your single experience is hardly a drop in the bucket compared to the concerns voiced by the scam climate change people. We know you save a lot of money, it is great to not be dependent on the grid with the plus that you get "free" fuel for your BYD (but adding in investment costs). And you will benefit if the fuel situation gets much worse. You put yourself in a fantastic situation and we all know it. I think it is pretty cool and I would do the same if I were younger. I mention Australia because that is your political home, that's all.

At 30 cents with a 20 gallon tank you saved $6.00. Not enough for a Spanish latte at Starbucks. - @danfinn
That would be a waste as Starbucks is a pretty rubbish coffee shop chain. - @Fred

I actually enjoy their coffee and the vibe in their coffee shops. The one place I get an extra hot latté when requested.

You should try their new location at the lower level of Plaza Indonesia Fred. Great for meetups or just people watching.

Money invested in oil stocks & the reinvested dividends compared to purchasing home solar systems is a better financial decision.
Also the stocks will appreciate while the solar system will depreciate. You can take your stocks & JD with you if you decide to move.

With indulging yourself with JD who gives a care about the environment. - @Enzyte Bob

Choices Bob. I call it diversifying when it comes to dollars and what you do with them. We have a fairly broad investment portfolio ranging from property, shares, cash at bank and now solar.

We have been through this previously and while a debatable point for many as is the environment it seems to me obvious. You have P 2M sitting in an investment account earning say 5% that is taxable, you don't need that money as there is plenty more, the sensible thing to do for me/us was stick that into a stand alone solar solar system that returns 20% plus and is not taxable. The bonus? A fully A/C home, a car that so far cost us P 5K in fuel and still 64% in the tank, 9 months operating and will do us for the next few months.

As for degradation of solar systems, you don't think that's not taken into account? The loser will be the batteries with an 8/10 year warranty and only time will tell but in the mean time we are making/saving P 400K per year,,,,,,,,, after 5 years the system is paid for and the next 5 years is profit. Inverters the same and solar panels 25 years.

Our share portfolio returns 10 to 12% annually after tax, bricks and mortar (the winner) is better than solar for a return but you can't complain gaining a 20% plus return with solar. All I have mentioned are long term investments and worked very well for the last 45 years.

The environment that many of us old coots care little about? Some of us do and not so much for me with the damage I have contributed but my children, grandchildren that we will leave behind and will try to clean up our wasteful mess.

As said choices and OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Not sure what that was about Dan but we live in PH and are 95/98% net zero. Most of our use comes from the sun. 2 to 5% is generated by those that rely on your gulf states and negativity from non believers.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearlI was trying to elevate the discussion a bit. You continuously reference your success with solar, and deservedly so but in the context of these discussions, your single experience is hardly a drop in the bucket compared to the concerns voiced by the scam climate change people. We know you save a lot of money, it is great to not be dependent on the grid with the plus that you get "free" fuel for your BYD (but adding in investment costs). And you will benefit if the fuel situation gets much worse. You put yourself in a fantastic situation and we all know it. I think it is pretty cool and I would do the same if I were younger. I mention Australia because that is your political home, that's all. - @danfinn

Investing wisely Dan, our dad taught his kids well. A drop in the bucket yes but simply look around at how many souls are thinking alternatives, all those drops add up. Fuel and energy costs are driving the change. Without solar we wouldn't have an A/C home as we wouldn't pay our energy supplier P 350K a year for the joy. same now for fuel costs for an ICE set of wheels. Going independent with solar we are not dictated to by waring governments on fuel/energy prices and no blackouts.

Climate change that was once known as global warming is for another topic. but the 1.5 C has been reached and whether climatic or man made?

As for Aussie politics? All tarred with the same brush no matter country. Most couldn't organise a root in a brothel.

Very glad we are comfortably retired and doing the things we want.

Cheers, Steve.

Thanks for your thoughts thus far people.

And here's more news:

"Marcos implements 4-day work week in gov't agencies to cushion expected oil supply woes."  (Starts tomorrow)

(Also Note, see below: "Gasoline prices are estimated to rise by P7.48 per liter, diesel by P17.28, and kerosene by P32.35.")

By Betheena Unite, Published Mar 6th, 2026 07:03 pm

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/06/marcos-implements-4-day-work-week-in-govt-agencies-to-cushion-expected-oil-supply-woes

President Marcos has announced that starting March 9, government agencies under the Executive Department will temporarily implement a four-day work week amid the expected oil supply disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message on Friday, March 6, Marcos announced several measures the government will take in response to the expected increase in oil prices.

"Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day work week sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo (Starting Monday, March 9, we will temporarily implement a four-day workweek in some offices of the executive branch)," Marcos said.

The adjusted number of work days will not include offices that provide emergency or essential services, such as the police, firefighters, and offices that deliver frontline services to the public.

Marcos also temporarily prohibited the conduct of unnecessary travels among government agencies, including study tours, team-building activities, and meetings that can be done online.

He also directed all government agencies to conserve energy and reduce their electricity consumption and fuel expenses by 10 to 20 percent.

Aside from these orders, Marcos said he has also been coordinating with Congress to grant him temporary authority to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products if the price reaches $80 per barrel.

He added that he was already in talks with Congress to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006 in a bid to use cheaper bioethanol to further lower gasoline prices.

Marcos also announced the release of fuel subsidies and cash transfers for affected sectors.

The government, he further said, continues to monitor the prices of goods in the markets to ensure that no one takes advantage of the situation. He appealed to businessmen and traders to "not exploit the situation.

"Nakikiusap ako sa ating mga negosyante at mga traders: huwag ninyo sanang samantalahin ang sitwasyong ito. Pinapaalala ko sa lahat na ang hoarding at profiteering ay labag sa batas (I appeal to our businessmen and traders:

please do not exploit this situation. I remind everyone that hoarding and profiteering are against the law)," Marcos said.

According to the President, these steps are aimed at protecting Filipinos from the impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, stressing that while the Philippines cannot control what happens in the war, it can control what steps it takes for its citizens.

"Hindi natin alam kung kailan matatapos ang kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan. Biktima tayo ng isang giyera na hindi natin pinili o ninanais (We do not know when the conflict in the Middle East will end. We are victims of a war we did not choose or desire)," Marcos said.

"Hindi natin kontrolado ang digmaan. Pero kontrolado natin kung paano natin poprotektahan ang Pilipino (We may not control the war, but we can control how we protect the Filipino people)," Marcos stressed.

The President also gave an assurance to the public that government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will continue to coordinate with Filipinos in the Middle East to monitor their situation.

In his video message, Marcos explained that due to the conflict in the Middle East, the passage of oil-carrying ships through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most important oil routes in the world—has been affected.

He noted that when there is a problem in this route, the global oil supply is also impacted, causing prices to rise worldwide.

According to Marcos, next week, an increase in petroleum prices is expected. Gasoline prices are estimated to rise by P7.48 per liter, diesel by P17.28, and kerosene by P32.35.

--

The Philippines should have accelerated Chinese renewable energy- Looks like they  may be about to pay the price.

@PalawOne

Marcos implements 4-day work week in gov't agencies to cushion expected oil supply woes."

So the bureaucrats get an extra day off. Some would say they only do 4 days work anyway such is the slothesome nature of civil servants.

The average worker in the Philippines gets one day off a week and when you factor in the puny wages some might call it slave labour.

https://oilprice.com/oil-price-charts/

Oil prices since the rather dodgy Trump/Netanyahu war started are not looking good.

It looks like all of us are going to pay for their  fun. I wonder if Trump is getting well paid for helping Israel out.

So a load of Arabs will be killed, and very likely loads of Israelis along with some US service members, but a lot of cash is on the table so who cares.

As for the Philippines,  the people there will suffer about the same as everyone else.

You will pay more for everything.