Manila, June 25 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) is closely monitoring movements in domestic fuel prices amid global developments, particularly tensions in the Middle East, Malacanang said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has been tracking oil price fluctuations since the onset of the crisis to ensure compliance with international market-based pricing mechanisms.

Castro said the DOE remains vigilant following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure close oversight of oil price movements.

"Iyan na po ang inuutos ng Pangulo sa DOE. At tayo naman po, according to DOE, ang presyo po ng ating fuel ay base lamang sa international market price (That is what the Pres...