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The Philippine government will initiate diplomatic talks with Iran to help ensure the safe passage of fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Malacañang
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to take the lead on the matter as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s energy supply
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No specific Philippine-bound vessels have been identified so far
The Philippine government will initiate diplomatic talks with Iran to help ensure the safe passage of its fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Malacañang.
Palace press officer Claire Castro in a media briefing on March 31 said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take the lead on the matter as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s energy supply.
“Iniutos na po ng Pangulo kay Secretary Tess Lazaro… makikipag-usap po siya sa ambassador ng Iran, most probably po ay tomorrow. Kung hindi man po magkakaroon ng tomorrow, by next week po (The President has already instructed Secretary Tess Lazaro… she will speak with the Iranian ambassador, most likely tomorrow. If not, by next week),” Castro said.
She noted, however, that Lazaro has not yet mentioned any Philippine-bound ships that will pass the Strait of Hormuz.
The planned engagement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including escalating hostilities involving Iran and its regional counterparts, which have raised concerns over possible disruptions in global oil supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for energy trade, with around one-fifth of global oil supply passing through it daily.
Any disruption in the waterway, whether due to military escalation, blockades, or security threats, can significantly impact global oil prices and supply availability.
Energy-importing countries like the Philippines are particularly vulnerable to such shocks, as the country relies heavily on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand.
