26/03/2026
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26/03/2026
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The Sierra Leone-flagged Sara Sky, which is carrying crude oil from Russia, is seen anchored at Limay port, Bataan province on March 26, 2026. A ship carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil has arrived in the Philippines, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP on March 26, days after the country declared a national energy emergency over the Middle East war. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, March 26: A tanker carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil has arrived in the Philippines, days after the country declared a national energy emergency triggered by disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
According to a source, the Sierra Leone-flagged vessel Sara Sky docked earlier this week at Limay port near Manila. Shipping documents reportedly list Petron Corporation—the operator of the country’s only refinery—as the consignee. The company has not officially confirmed the delivery.
The shipment is believed to be the Philippines’ first import of Russian crude in five years, marking a significant shift as Manila scrambles to secure fuel supplies.
The Southeast Asian nation relies heavily on imported energy, and prices have surged in recent weeks following partial disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint affected by ongoing regional tensions.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is exploring all possible fuel sources, warning that existing reserves may last only around 45 days. “Nothing is off the table,” he said, as the government looks beyond traditional suppliers to stabilize energy supplies.
The emergency response includes the activation of a 20 billion peso ($332 million) fund by the Department of Energy Philippines to secure fuel imports and manage rising costs.
Energy officials also signaled a temporary increase in coal usage to offset soaring liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, with additional imports expected from Indonesia if needed.
The development comes as the United States recently eased certain restrictions on Russian oil sales, allowing cargoes already at sea to be purchased until April 11, potentially opening short-term supply options for energy-importing nations like the Philippines.
Analysts say millions of barrels of Russian crude remain in transit globally, much of it already committed to major buyers, as countries seek alternatives amid ongoing supply uncertainty.
