PH Receives First Russian Oil Shipment in Years

The Philippines has reportedly received its first crude oil shipment from Russia in five years, as the country moves to secure alternative fuel sources amid global supply uncertainties.

A crude oil tanker identified as Sara Sky arrived and docked at Limay anchorage in Bataan on Monday, according to shipping tracker Marine Traffic. The vessel, reportedly loaded from Kozmino Port in Russia, is said to be carrying about 100,000 tons or roughly 750,000 barrels of ESPO Blend crude oil.

Energy officials have yet to formally confirm the shipment, with both the Department of Energy (DOE) and Petron Corp. declining to issue statements as of press time. However, earlier reports indicated that Petron had already negotiated a crude oil deal with Russian suppliers.

The development comes as the Philippines seeks to diversify its oil imports amid disruptions in global supply chains linked to tensions in the Middle East, including restrictions affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the escalation of geopolitical tensions, Petron’s refinery in Bataan sourced around 98 percent of its crude imports from the Middle East, according to the DOE.

Authorities have also ramped up efforts to strengthen the country’s fuel buffer, with government allocations reportedly reaching around P20 billion for additional diesel procurement to stabilize supply. As of March 20, DOE data showed that diesel stocks remain sufficient for 45 days, gasoline for 53 days, and kerosene for 97 days—well above the minimum requirement.