The effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis are expected to be reflected in Philippine electricity bills in the coming months, even though the latest rate increase announced by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) does not yet include those pressures.

Meralco has approved a P0.6427 per kilowatt‑hour increase for March 2026, bringing the overall residential rate to about P13.82 per kWh. For a typical household consuming 200 kWh a month, this adjustment could mean roughly a P129 increase in monthly electricity bills.

The company said this month’s rate hike was driven mainly by higher transmission and generation charges—including a 70% jump in ancillary service costs from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and fixed charges from power contracts that raised generation fees.

Meralco spokespeople clarified that the current adjustment does not yet reflect the effects of rising global oil prices caused by the Middle East crisis, which could drive further electricity cost increases if fuel costs continue to escalate. They noted that such impacts may appear in bills for April or later months.

Energy analysts and regulators have also warned that electricity prices in the Philippines could rise following pump price increases, as global fuel cost pressures from geopolitical tensions push up Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices and generation costs. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said its market simulations show potential increases in electricity prices if global supply disruptions persist.

Meralco has urged customers to conserve energy amid the unfolding situation and prepare for peak demand during the approaching dry season, which typically increases electricity consumption by 20–33%.