DA, SRA act to secure fuel and fertilizer supply for sugar industry amid Middle East tensions
The government is taking steps to ensure a steady supply of fuel and fertilizer for the sugar industry as it enters the most resource-demanding stage of the harvest season.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said they are coordinating with other government agencies to help maintain stable access to critical farm inputs, following concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global petroleum supplies.
Fuel demand typically rises during the peak harvest period, when sugarcane is simultaneously harvested, transported to mills, and fields are prepared for the next planting cycle. Farming activities such as land preparation using tractors, irrigation, and the hauling of harvested cane rely heavily on fuel.
At the same time, sugar producers are increasing fertilizer application as they prepare for the next crop cycle.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the agency has asked Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to raise the industry’s concerns with the Department of Energy and other relevant government offices.
“We have asked the help of Secretary Tiu-Laurel to bring the problems of our sugar farmers caused by the Middle East conflict to the DOE and other government agencies,” Azcona said.
The issue was first raised by farmer representative to the SRA board David Sanson, who last week requested sugar federations to provide recommendations on possible government interventions should global tensions result in supply disruptions or rising prices of petroleum-based inputs.
For his part, Tiu Laurel said the government recognizes the importance of fuel and fertilizer in maintaining agricultural productivity.
“We will work to ensure a stable supply of fuel and fertilizer, as well as other inputs—not only for sugar farmers but for all Filipino farmers and fisherfolks,” he said.
Industry officials emphasized that stabilizing the supply and prices of these inputs during the peak harvest period is essential to maintaining production levels and preventing increased costs from affecting the country’s sugar supply chain.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
