PH seeks non-Middle East fuel suppliers amid conflict risks

MANILA – The Philippine government is expanding fuel reserves and intensifying coordination with multiple countries to secure petroleum supplies, as it activates contingency measures should tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil flows, Malacañang said Friday.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin reported ongoing efforts to diversify sourcing and strengthen supply security through engagements with non-traditional and non-Middle East suppliers, according to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

Quoting Garin, Castro said: “We are stocking up and now in dialogue with other countries like India, Argentina, Canada, and other countries that do not rely on the Middle East for their petroleum.”

The Palace stressed that inter-agency coordination is underway to prevent any disruption in fuel availability, with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) working in parallel to identify alternative supply routes and partners.

“Sa pagtutulungan na rin ng lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno, especially DOE and DFA na naghahanap talaga tayo ng sources para iyong supply ng petrolyo ay hindi mahinto at magtuloy-tuloy para sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

(Through the cooperation of all government agencies, especially the DOE and DFA, we are really looking for sources so that the supply of petroleum will not be interrupted and will continue for our fellow citizens.)

Asked about the possibility of an energy lockdown, Castro said the government does not see such a scenario at present.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a separate interview after the Philippine National Police Academy graduation ceremonies, said he was informed by San Miguel Corporation president and Petron operator Ramon Ang that petroleum supply remains sufficient until June 30.

He added that the government continues to actively explore additional global sources to strengthen national inventories.

“Lahat nang mapuntahan natin at makausap natin ay sinasabi natin naghahanap tayo kahit saan,” Marcos said. (“Everywhere we go and everyone we talk to, we say that we are looking for supplies wherever we can.”)

“At hindi lamang ’yung crude oil kundi lahat ng produktong petrolyo — gasolina, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel. Lahat ’yan ay naghahanap tayo sa buong mundo,” the President added. (“And not just crude oil but all petroleum products — gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel. We are searching for all of these around the world.”)

The administration said these measures form part of broader efforts to insulate the Philippine economy from external shocks in the global energy market. /DG