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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking an extension of a United States sanctions waiver to allow continued oil imports from Russia, as the government moves to secure fuel supply amid ongoing global disruptions, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Tuesday, April 14, the DOE has coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to formally request “another window” or extension of the waiver, which would allow Manila to keep buying Russian crude despite existing sanctions.
“We have communicated with the DFA for another window or extension of the lifting of the embargo,” Garin said, adding the request will be coursed through the Philippine ambassador to the United States.
“We’re awaiting for their response, but we’re very positive on getting this window. If it doesn’t come through, we have other options also,” she added.
(We’re awaiting for their response, but we’re very positive on getting this window. If it doesn’t come through, we have other options also.)
Sanctions on Russia were imposed following its invasion of Ukraine, although Washington has allowed temporary waivers to stabilize global energy markets.
The Philippines’ move comes as global oil flows remain volatile due to tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for crude shipments.
Data from the DOE showed at least four million barrels of oil shipments to the Philippines were canceled following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, tightening supply in the import-dependent country.
Despite this, a shipment carrying around 700,000 barrels of Russian crude arrived in the country last month, with Petron Corp. listed as the consignee. The firm operates the Philippines’ sole oil refinery, which secured nearly 2.5 million barrels of crude during the period.
Garin warned the situation could persist over the coming months.
"The Department of Energy sees this current problem as not only a problem for today or next week or next month. It will be a prolonged problem," she said.
Around 30% of the country’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the rest are sourced from Asian refiners that also rely on Middle Eastern oil.
The tightening supply has already driven up local pump prices, with diesel costs doubling in recent weeks.
Even as it pushes to reopen access to Russian oil, the government is exploring alternative suppliers.
“Hindi lang naman Russia ang nagpo-produce,” Garin said, saying that countries in South America such as Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and the United States, could supply crude.
“Even in nearby countries like Brunei, India, marami pa rin naman tayong (we still have) other options,” she added.
“Even in nearby countries like Brunei, India, marami pa rin naman tayong other options,” she added.
(Even in nearby countries like Brunei, India, we still have plenty of other options.)
While these countries produce different grades of crude, Garin said their refined products remain usable for the Philippines.
"We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options. Diversification kailangan para hindi tayo dependent sa isang country lang” she said.
(We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options. Diversification is necessary so that we are not dependent on just one country.)
The DOE said it continues to hold discussions with various embassies, including that of the United States, to address supply concerns and explore possible solutions.
The Philippines currently has about 50 days’ worth of petroleum supply, according to the energy chief.
