Enviro News Asia, Philippine— The Philippine government has moved to strengthen its national energy security by procuring 318 million liters of crude oil from multiple foreign sources, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
The initiative, implemented through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), aims to stabilize domestic fuel supply amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have disrupted global energy markets.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed that approximately 165 million liters of the total targeted volume are already scheduled for delivery from countries including Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Oman. The procurement is part of a broader government strategy to ensure sufficient oil reserves and mitigate potential supply disruptions.
The policy is aligned with the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), an executive framework designed to safeguard national interests, maintain economic stability, and support essential services during global crises.
According to Garin, the Philippines currently maintains oil reserves sufficient for up to 50 days—an increase from the standard 30-day buffer—while additional shipments are continuously arranged to replenish supplies. She emphasized that the country is diversifying its energy sourcing strategy to reduce reliance on traditional supply routes, particularly those passing through high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The government is also coordinating closely with foreign partners and diplomatic channels to ensure the timely and secure delivery of oil shipments. This whole-of-government approach involves collaboration between energy authorities, oil companies, and the Department of Foreign Affairs to address logistical challenges and maintain supply chain stability.
The move reflects the Philippines’ proactive response to global energy volatility, aiming to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability while strengthening resilience against external shocks. (*)
