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The Philippine government has secured an official assurance from the Islamic Republic of Iran for the safe and unhindered passage of oil tankers and Philippine-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz
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The agreement was finalized following a high-level phone conversation on April 2, 2026, between Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
In a diplomatic breakthrough for the country’s energy security, the Philippine government has secured an official assurance from the Islamic Republic of Iran for the safe and unhindered passage of oil tankers and Philippine-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement was finalized following a high-level phone conversation on April 2, 2026, between Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The Iranian embassy in Manila confirmed that the “safe, unhindered, and expeditious” passage would apply to vessels carrying critical energy sources and fertilizers destined for the Philippines, as well as the safety of Filipino seafarers manning these ships.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum flows, has been under extreme tension following recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. With the Philippines importing nearly 98% of its crude oil from the region, the blockade had previously prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a state of national energy emergency in late March.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin welcomed the development but was quick to manage public expectations regarding domestic pump prices. In a social media statement released on April 4, 2026, she emphasized that while the agreement stabilizes supply, it is not an immediate fix for global price volatility.
“This is a major victory for our Risk Management initiatives. In a time of severe global tension, reducing the risk of supply disruption is a meaningful gain for our economy,” Garin stated.
“However, we must manage expectations: this development will not immediately bring down fuel prices, nor does it resolve our long-term structural challenges. What it does provide is continuity and stability, ensuring that our critical oil and fertilizer supplies reach our shores despite the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.”
The assurance is expected to:
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Protect Filipino Seafarers: Safeguard the thousands of Filipinos working on international tankers transiting the region.
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Stabilize National Reserves: Facilitate the arrival of over 1 million barrels of diesel scheduled for delivery throughout April 2026.
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Secure Agricultural Inputs: Ensure the steady flow of fertilizers necessary for national food security.
The Philippine government continues to pursue a diversified energy strategy, including dialogues with alternative suppliers like India and Canada, even as this diplomatic bridge with Tehran provides immediate relief to the local logistics and transport sectors.
READ: PH crude oil supply sufficient until June 30, says Marcos
