(UPDATE) AS part of efforts to ease the impact of the Middle East war on the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) on Sunday said it is temporarily allowing the sale of lower-grade fuel in the local market. The agency said it has issued a circular authorizing the temporary and controlled introduction of Euro II petroleum products for selected transport and industrial uses. It issued the circular following consultations with the oil and automotive industries last week. Euro II petroleum products refer to fuel standards that comply with the European emission standards established in the mid-1990s, specifically designed to limit pollution from vehicle engines. The products have higher pollutant ratings than modern and cleaner fuel tiers like Euro IV or Euro V. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the authority is narrowly targeted and strictly regulated, and does not replace the country’s Euro IV fuel standards, which remain in force under existing laws and regulations.“We are adopting a prudent and temporary measure to help ensure an adequate and accessible fuel supply for sectors that may require limited flexibility during this period. This temporary authority is subject to strict quality controls, clear notification requirements, and appropriate consumer protection measures,” Garin said. Under the circular, the interim use of Euro II fuels is limited to in-use vehicle models from 2015 and earlier, traditional jeepneys, industrial applications such as power plants and generators, and the marine and shipping industry. To prevent misuse and preserve product integrity, the DOE announced that downstream oil industry participants must maintain full segregation of Euro II and Euro IV fuels across storage, transport and retail systems. It added that participants intending to offer Euro II fuels must also notify officials and related authorities, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau, and identify the retail outlets where such products will be available. The DOE said compliance will be enforced through random product sampling and testing across downstream oil facilities. To protect consumers, the DoE required the prominent posting of advisories at fuel stations and other retail outlets offering Euro II products. The advisories must clearly state that the fuel carries Euro II specifications and that consumers must verify vehicle compatibility before use. Inclusive aid Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeated his assurance that no one will get left behind as the government addresses the effects of the war in the Middle East. In his vlog released Sunday, Marcos gave updates on the government’s measures to cushion the impact of soaring fuel prices. “It is clear that this war in the Middle East has had a huge impact on the entire world and here in the Philippines. Of course, we cannot let this burden fall on the commuters,” he said in Filipino. Free rides and fare discounts for commuters, as well as cash assistance for transport workers, are among the short-term measures being rolled out, he said. “We understand the sentiments of those protesting from this sector. But I want to reiterate to you, you will not be left behind. The government will not abandon you,” the president said. He said the government is in talks with India, China, Japan, Thailand, Brunei, and South Korea on possible fuel supply arrangements. Marcos said prices of basic goods and commodities remain stable, and the government is preparing to impose price caps on rice. “We will continue to coordinate with our manufacturers of basic commodities that are critical during this time. As for rice, the P20 rice is still available in 177 LGUs, and we will increase the supply,” he said. The president said the government is coordinating with power generation companies to boost electricity supply, with 23 projects expected to add 900 megawatts to the grid in the coming months. Coordination is also ongoing to utilize Malampaya natural gas at full capacity. Expanded cash aid On Sunday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it will expand the distribution of cash relief assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers outside the National Capital Region (NCR) after Holy Week to ease the impact of the oil price hikes on their livelihood. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the department’s spokesman, said preparations for the next phase of cash distribution are in progress, even while payouts in the NCR continue. A cash subsidy of P5,000 was distributed to tricycle drivers last week. A total of 27,635 transport network vehicle service drivers are scheduled to receive assistance on Tuesday, followed by more than 21,700 public utility jeepney drivers on Wednesday. Delivery riders, estimated at 137,700, will receive their cash assistance on March 26 and 27, while 27,600 motorcycle taxi drivers will get their cash aid on March 28. To ensure a fast and systematic payout, the DSWD enforces strict verification measures, including requiring the physical presence of beneficiaries and validating their identities to avoid duplication and discrepancies in the list.