Manila, March 6 -- Malacanang on Friday directed all government agencies to ensure the strict adoption of energy conservation measures amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Memorandum Circular (MC) 114, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, stressed that significant volatility in global energy markets caused by the crisis in the Gulf region has triggered the increase in fuel prices, making an adverse impact on the national economy.

"There is an urgent need to adopt strict energy conservation measures to further reduce the energy footprint of government operations and optimize the use of public resources," the order read.

Under MC 114, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including gov...