The Philippines has declared a state of national energy emergency, warning people there of “imminent danger”. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the country’s fuel supplies are in jeopardy due to the conflict in the Middle East and signed an executive order to protect energy security.

He said: “A state of national energy emergency is hereby declared in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the resulting imminent danger posed upon the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply.” The Philippines relies heavily on fuel imports, making it particularly vulnerable to disruption.

The declaration, which will remain in place for one year, will help the government to take “co-ordinated measures” to address disruptions in the country’s economy, Mr Marcos said.

A committee has been formed to oversee the movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines and other essential goods.

She said the country would “temporarily” depend more on coal-fired power plants amid increasing costs of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The Strait of Hormuz closure has proved particularly disastrous for countries in Asia, as nearly 90% of all the oil and gas that passed through the chokepoint last year was headed for the continent.

The average petrol price shot up to 144.16p per litre on Monday, from 131.71p recorded before the US launched strikes on Iran. As a result, it now costs £14.63 more to fill up a 55-litre family diesel car, with this number expected to go up again.