The Philippine government is reaching out to other countries to secure alternative oil supplies as global shortages and rising prices persist due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to explore new partners for oil imports, given the country’s heavy dependence on foreign supply.
“Kami ay naatasan na kausapin ng mga ambassadors namin in certain selected areas, or countries, para kung makakatulong sila sa ating oil needs,” Lazaro said in a television interview.
“So yun na po ang ginagawa natin ngayon,” she added.
In a recent press briefing, Lazaro confirmed that importing Russian oil “is something which is being considered,” particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Russian oil.
She also noted that shipments from the Middle East remain unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iran’s control.
Lazaro described the situation in the Middle East as “unpredictable,” warning of its widespread global impact.
“Hintayin na lang po natin. Hindi lang itong Southeast Asia, pero the whole world, naapektuhan,” she said.
“Hanggang masarado ‘yang Strait of Hormuz na ‘yan at hindi nakakapasok ang mga tankers ay talaga hong tuyong tuyo sa oil needs ang buong mundo,” she added.