Davao City Government Debunks Viral Claims of Brunei Oil Supply
Published on March 23, 2026, at 1:52 PM, the City Government of Davao has issued a formal clarification regarding widespread rumors about an oil supply originating from Brunei. Harvey Lanticse, head of the Davao City Information Office, stated on Saturday, March 22, 2026, that there is no verified information confirming any such oil shipments to the city.
Official Statement on Alleged Discussions
Lanticse emphasized that the local government has not engaged in any discussions with Brunei concerning a potential oil supply. "We have no information regarding the alleged oil supply from Brunei arriving in Davao City," he said, directly addressing the speculation that has circulated online.
Origin of the Rumors
The clarification comes in response to viral social media posts that falsely claimed an oil supply from Brunei had reached Davao City. A video shared widely online depicted an oil tanker departing from a water vessel, captioned "salamat Brunei," which translates to "thank you Brunei." This footage was disseminated by multiple individuals, fueling misinformation.
Brunei's Petroleum Industry Context
Brunei is renowned for its extensive reserves of petroleum and natural gas, with the petroleum sector accounting for approximately half of the country's GDP. All production occurs from offshore fields in Brunei's western region, with exports primarily directed to other Asian nations.
Impact of Middle East Conflict on Fuel Prices
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, leading to anticipated increases in fuel costs, the Davao City Government is proactively monitoring fuel prices. The Business Bureau has been instructed to conduct regular inspections of gasoline stations to ensure compliance with prescribed pricing and prevent practices such as hoarding or overpricing.
Local Conservation Efforts and Warnings
Earlier, Davao City Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. urged participants of the 2026 Araw ng Dabaw Civic Parade to opt for walking instead of using vehicles, promoting fuel conservation amid rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. He warned that escalating fuel costs are already impacting goods and services and stressed the necessity for preparedness if conditions deteriorate.
Quitain highlighted that the parade could maintain its spirit without vehicles, emphasizing the importance of reserving fuel for essential needs. The City Council has adopted fuel-saving measures and is calling on the Department of Energy and other agencies to address the local fuel situation effectively.
Projected Fuel Price Increases
Oil prices are expected to rise by P14.50 per liter in the coming week. Specifically, diesel prices may increase by P14 to P14.50 per liter, while gasoline prices could see a rise of P7 to P7.50 per liter, according to recent forecasts.
