-
The Office of the President officially confirmed the arrival of approximately 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy procurement strategy as it grapples with a global supply crunch triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict.
-
The shipment arrived aboard the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Sara Sky, which was spotted by maritime trackers and journalists anchored at the Limay port in Bataan
-
The vessel is reportedly carrying 100,000 tonnes (roughly 700,000 to 715,000 barrels) of ESPO blend crude, a high-quality light sweet crude sourced from Russia’s Far East
-
Documents identify the consignee as Petron Corp, the operator of the Philippines’ sole remaining oil refinery
The Office of the President officially confirmed the arrival of approximately 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy procurement strategy as it grapples with a global supply crunch triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the shipment’s arrival, stating simply, “This is confirmed,” in response to inquiries regarding the vessel’s presence in Philippine waters.
The shipment arrived aboard the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker Sara Sky, which was spotted by maritime trackers and journalists anchored at the Limay port in Bataan. The vessel is reportedly carrying 100,000 tonnes (roughly 700,000 to 715,000 barrels) of ESPO blend crude, a high-quality light sweet crude sourced from Russia’s Far East.
Documents identify the consignee as Petron Corp, the operator of the Philippines’ sole remaining oil refinery. Petron CEO Ramon Ang had previously hinted at being “in talks” for such a purchase to stabilize domestic prices.
The move comes just days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Energy Emergency via Executive Order No. 110. The Philippines typically sources nearly 90% of its fuel from the Middle East; however, the ongoing conflict has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 million barrels of oil pass daily.
With domestic stocks estimated to last only another 45 days, the government has moved to diversify its suppliers. This Russian purchase was made possible by a temporary 30-day U.S. sanctions waiver expiring April 11, which allows countries to purchase Russian oil already in transit at sea to prevent a total global energy collapse.
The Department of Energy (DOE), led by Secretary Sharon Garin, has activated a ₱20-billion emergency fund to secure further fuel buffers.
“We are casting a wide net,” President Marcos stated earlier this week. “We are exploring sources that are not affected by the Middle East war, including Russia, the United States, and partners in South America. Nothing is off the table.”
In addition to diversifying oil sources, the government is implementing aggressive conservation measures under DOE Memorandum Circular 114, which includes:
- A mandatory 4-day work week for government agencies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.
- Skeleton force operations for the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Ports Authority to ensure that these critical oil shipments are cleared and processed without delay.
- Suspension of Biofuel Blending: The House of Representatives is fast-tracking a bill to temporarily lower bio-ethanol requirements to further reduce costs at the pump.
While this 700,000-barrel shipment provides a temporary reprieve, officials warn that the long-term outlook remains volatile as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint for international conflict.
