Executive Secretary Ralph Recto – Photo from Ralph Recto/Facebook
The initial shipment from the government’s diesel procurement is expected to arrive this week and is projected to cover about five days of domestic demand, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said.
Recto said energy officials secured an order of 1.04 million barrels of diesel through ongoing supply negotiations, with deliveries beginning in the coming days.
The procurement, equivalent to around 165.67 million liters, forms part of a broader plan to acquire up to 2 million barrels under the Department of Energy’s Emergency Energy Security Program.
Authorities said the fuel supply agreements were finalized through the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corp. to help address supply concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The government has not disclosed specific suppliers but said it is exploring sources beyond Southeast Asia, including Japan, Canada, and the United States.
Recto also noted that Indonesia committed to providing a steady coal supply, which is crucial for power generation in the country.
President Ferdinand Marcos earlier declared a national energy emergency, assuring that crude oil supply remains sufficient until the end of June.
Meanwhile, lawmakers and analysts called for stronger measures, including the possible declaration of a broader state of emergency and the development of fuel storage facilities to help cushion the impact of global supply disruptions and rising prices.
