How the US-Israel-Iran War is Hitting Filipino Farmers and Fishers

Filipino farmers and fisherfolk are starting to feel the effects of rising oil prices as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupts global energy markets.

Fuel is a major part of food production in the Philippines. From tractors and irrigation pumps to fishing boats and transport vehicles, agriculture relies heavily on diesel and electricity. As oil prices climb, production costs are rising across the sector.

To ease the impact, the government has prepared fuel subsidies for select eligible farmers and fishers.

Higher fuel costs hit food production

For many farmers and fishers, fuel is essential to daily operations.

Farmers use diesel to run tractors, irrigation pumps, and other equipment needed during planting and harvesting. Fishers depend on fuel for their boats to head out to sea.

When fuel prices rise, production costs increase, and many producers are forced to cut back.

Some fishers may reduce the number of fishing trips to save on fuel, while farmers may scale down operations.

Lower production can also push retail prices higher. Reduced fish catch, for example, could drive up prices of commonly consumed fish like tilapia, bangus, and yellowfin tuna.

Fertilizer and feed prices also climbing

Agricultural inputs are also getting more expensive.

According to the agricultural group Sinag, tractor rental fees have jumped to around ₱8,000 to ₱9,000, up from ₱5,000 to ₱6,000 previously.

Fishers have also reported an additional ₱500 increase in fuel costs for their operations.

Meanwhile, fertilizer prices have climbed from around ₱1,500 per bag to roughly ₱2,000 to ₱2,150.

Higher fertilizer costs could mean farmers apply less, which may lead to lower crop yields in the coming months.

The Philippines imports part of its fertilizer supply from the Middle East, though the Department of Agriculture says alternative sources are available if supply disruptions occur.

Sugar industry calls for support

The sugar industry, currently in the middle of its harvest season, has called on the government to help secure stable fuel and fertilizer supply.

Industry players say continued price spikes could affect both production and logistics during this critical period.

Exporters worry about shipping delays

Filipino agricultural exporters are also bracing for possible disruptions.

If tensions in the Middle East continue to affect shipping routes, export shipments may face delays. This could increase freight costs and raise the risk of spoilage, especially for perishable products.

Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, mangosteen, avocados, guavas, dates, and figs are among the Philippines’ top agricultural exports to the Middle East.

In 2024, Philippine exports to the region reached $321 million, up by $68 million from the previous year.

Prolonged disruptions could affect the country’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets, particularly for products where freshness and delivery timing are crucial.

Limited fuel subsidy available

To cushion the impact, the Department of Agriculture said it still has around ₱150 million in unused fuel subsidies from its 2025 budget.

About ₱100 million is already available for distribution to eligible beneficiaries.

Under the program, farmers may receive ₱5,000 each, while fishers can get ₱3,000.

However, the assistance will only reach a small portion of the sector. The government has identified about 28,000 farmers and fishers as eligible, while the Philippines is estimated to have around 10 million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.