By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – About 329,000 barrels, or 52.311 million liters, of diesel from Malaysia have been delivered to the Philippines, augmenting the country’s fuel supply amid volatility in the global oil market driven by the Middle East crisis.
The latest arrival of state-procured diesel followed the first delivery of 142,000 barrels, or 22.578 million liters, from Japan on March 26, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under Executive Order 110 to ensure a stable and sufficient oil supply amid heightened external market uncertainty.
In a statement on Saturday, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin said the arrival of the second shipment reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to boost domestic supply, as tensions in the Gulf region continue to escalate.
“This latest shipment from Malaysia further strengthens our supply position at a time when external risks remain, and the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve,” Garin said.
“The government is taking deliberate and forward-looking steps to build up available supply, support essential sectors, and help ensure that the country remains prepared for possible disruptions in the global oil market.”
The DOE vowed to sustain close coordination with concerned government entities and industry stakeholders to reinforce fuel availability, maintain orderly market conditions, and safeguard consumer welfare.
It also assured the public of continued monitoring of inventory levels, timely distribution of incoming fuel volumes, and government interventions to prevent supply bottlenecks that may affect transport, logistics, power generation, and other vital economic activities.
Garin earlier announced that additional deliveries of diesel from other countries are expected within the month.
She also assured that the country has a sufficient fuel supply despite global volatility.
As a net importer of petroleum products, the Philippines remains vulnerable to external developments that may affect both price and supply. (PNA)
