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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ambassadors tasked to look for oil sources – DFA chief

Ambassadors tasked to look for oil sources – DFA chief

Published Mar 21, 2026 05:40 pm
A gas station in Jaro, Iloilo City, displays “sold out” sign on its pump last March 10. The fuel depletion comes as the country faces a historic energy crisis, with industry experts warning that domestic supplies may only last until late April due to escalating conflict in the Middle East and regional export bans.
A gas station in Jaro, Iloilo City, displays “sold out” sign on its pump last March 10. The fuel depletion comes as the country faces a historic energy crisis, with industry experts warning that domestic supplies may only last until late April due to escalating conflict in the Middle East and regional export bans.
The Philippine government is now tapping other countries to source oil amid global shortage and continued price hike caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro disclosed that President Marcos had tasked the agency to consider other partners for oil imports, which the Philippines heavily relies on.
"Kami ay naatasan na kausapin ng mga ambassadors namin in certain selected areas, or countries, para kung makakatulong sila sa ating oil needs (Our ambassadors have been tasked in selected countries to help in sourcing for our oil needs)," Lazaro said in an interview with state-run PTV-4.
"So yun na po ang ginagawa natin ngayon (So that's what we're doing now)," she added.
In a recent press conference, Lazaro said importing Russian oil "is something which is being considered," especially after US President Donald Trump lifted the sanctions on Russian oil, as those coming from the Middle East remain blocked from passing through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz.
Lazaro said what's happening in the Middle East and its end is still "unpredictable."
"Hintayin na lang po natin. Hindi lang itong Southeast Asia, pero the whole world, naapektuhan (Let's just wait. Because it's not only Southeast Asia that's been affected, but the whole world)," she said.
"Hanggang masarado 'yang Strait of Hormuz na 'yan at hindi nakakapasok ang mga tankers ay talaga hong tuyong tuyo sa oil needs ang buong mundo (While Strait of Hormuz is still closed and while tankers cannot pass through it, the whole world's need for oil will persist)," she added.

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Ma. Theresa Lazaro DFA OIL PRICE HIKE
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