Two separate fuel shipments have arrived in the Philippines as the government scrambles to address the national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Executive Order 110 on March 24, 2026 — a declaration that came only after fuel prices had already surpassed ₱90 per liter, with Malacañang previously maintaining there was no crisis.
Petron's Russian Crude Oil
The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel Sara Sky, carrying over 700,000 barrels of crude oil sourced from Russia's ESPO pipeline, arrived Monday. This shipment was privately negotiated and procured by Petron Corp. — not the government — made possible after the US Treasury Department issued a temporary sanctions waiver covering Russian petroleum deliveries loaded between March 12 and April 11, 2026. It is the country's first Russian crude oil shipment in five years.
Government-Procured Diesel
Separately, the first government-procured diesel shipment of 142,000 barrels arrived at the SEAOIL Batangas facility. This was facilitated by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) under the Emergency Energy Security Program. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed the arrival, calling it "the most beautiful ship ever" on social media, noting the government had been working on the procurement for three weeks.
The government has allotted ₱20 billion to procure up to 2 million barrels of diesel, with more deliveries expected in the coming days and weeks.
Delayed Response and Public Backlash
Despite the arrivals, the administration's response has drawn public criticism. The Philippines imports approximately 98% of its oil from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions caused by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict in the Middle East. Critics noted the emergency declaration came weeks after fuel prices had already begun climbing past ₱100 per liter at some stations.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro defended the administration, saying: "Nakikita n'yo kung paano kumilos ang gobyerno, kung gaano kabilis kumilos ang gobyerno, at kung gaano na rin karami ang ginawa ng gobyerno para sa ating taumbayan." The statement drew over 230,000 reactions on social media, predominantly expressing mockery and anger, with nearly 46,000 comments and 12,000 shares.
The government has stated that existing oil supply is expected to last until June 30, 2026, while it continues to pursue alternative energy sources including accelerated development of the Malampaya East-1 gas field off Palawan.
Sources: Philstar / Inquirer / Manila Bulletin / News5 / PCO via Luisa Cabato, INQUIRER.net / CDN Digital
