(UPDATE) MANILA Mayor Isko Moreno signed Executive Order (EO) 7 on Monday, mandating the city government to reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent. In a Facebook live address, Moreno said this move was to anticipate the reduction of fuel supply due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil trade routes, and its blockade would disrupt the flow of 20 percent of the world’s oil, triggering higher fuel prices. “The ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East with the Operation Epic Fury in full effect is the joint US-Israel strike against Iran, which will eventually contribute in the significant global oil market volatility, supply disruption, upward pressures, and fuel prices with adverse effects on the national and local economy, and the fiscal position of the city of Manila, very particular position of the City of Manila,” Moreno said. Under the EO 7, city departments and offices are mandated to reduce fuel use for vehicles, generators, heavy equipment, and other fuel-powered machines. The move is said to maintain essential public services and limit the city’s exposure to fuel supply and price increases. Under Section 5 of the said EO, all non-essential travel by city officials and staff will be prohibited. “All Lakbay Aral (educational trip) activities and foreign trips will likewise be suspended unless deemed essential and of critical importance to the city government’s operation,” Moreno said. He added that all offices, except health care facilities, are directed to conserve electricity by switching off lights by 5 p.m. daily. The mayor added that meetings with village officials and health workers will be conducted online when feasible. He further noted the shifts and work arrangements will be recalibrated, urging employers to “implement staggered shifts, compress workweeks, or remove work arrangements where feasible to reduce commuting and official travel.” Exempted from the order are police, fire and ambulance services; public health and disaster risk reduction operations; garbage collection and hauling; and traffic management, among others. Violations of the travel and fuel-use provisions will be subject to administrative investigation and penalties. Moreno said the order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until emergency fuel conditions stabilize. “This is our own little way to join the National Government in its effort, advice and directives to save as many as we can concerning fuel consumption or dependency on fuel,” Moreno concluded.