‘Natural gas to bring down power costs’Fisherfolk hold a protest in the waters of Batangas City on April 22, Earth Day to denounce the expansion of fossil gas plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the area. MANILA, Philippines — As higher electricity rates loom amid the global oil crisis, the country should tap more of its indigenous natural gas to keep power costs steady, the Petroleum Association of the Philippines said. Cruz said electricity generated from Malampaya gas costs about P4.80 per kilowatt-hour, way below the P10.30 per kWh charged for imported liquefied natural gas. “That’s how big the difference between our own fuel in the country is compared to imported gas today,” she stressed. As such, the PAP is pushing for the full implementation of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, which prioritizes the use of indigenous over imported natural gas, to protect consumers from global shockwaves.

Source: Philippine Star March 15, 2026 16:48 UTC