Philippines Says Working with Washington to Obtain Oil from U.S.-Sanctioned Countries

As of March 25, 2026, the Philippines has officially announced its ongoing efforts to work with the United States government to obtain waivers and exemptions that would facilitate the purchase of oil from U.S.-sanctioned countries. The announcement was made by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, emphasizing the importance of these actions in the face of a national energy emergency declared on March 24, 2026.

The country has been heavily reliant on imported fuel, particularly as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global oil supplies. Romualdez stated that the discussions encompass all options, including the potential procurement of oil from Venezuela and Iran. He noted that communications with the U.S. State Department are ongoing, describing the process as a "work in progress."

As of March 20, the Philippines reportedly had approximately 45 days of fuel supply remaining. In response to the urgent need for energy security, the government is in the process of securing an additional 1 million barrels of oil to bolster its buffer stock. The decree enabling these measures provides the government with the authority to ensure sufficient fuel supply amid rising prices and temporary shortages.

The national energy emergency, in effect for one year, also allows for increased coal-fired power generation as a temporary solution to energy supply pressures. Notably, the Philippines expects to receive its first import of Russian crude oil in five years this week, backed by a recent 30-day waiver issued by the United States.

Furthermore, Washington has authorized a 30-day sanctions waiver for oil that was loaded on vessels before March 20, enabling the Philippines to secure critically needed resources and navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical climate surrounding oil supplies. This dynamic underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing energy security with adherence to international sanctions and diplomatic relations.