Manila, March 7 -- The government has started monitoring gas stations as part of its intensified efforts to address the possible impact of rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East, Malacanang said on Saturday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed concerned agencies to prepare for the potential effects of the ongoing conflict on global oil prices.

"Ang mensahe ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. patungkol sa ating paghahanda ay nararapat at napapanahon. Nais ng Pangulo na maging handa sa anumang sitwasyon lalo pa at hindi pa nahihinto ang kasalukuyang kondisyon sa Middle East (The message of President Marcos Jr. regarding our preparedness is appropriate and timely. The President wants us to b...