MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that the Philippines is eyeing Russian oil imports as part of its strategy to cushion the impact of the global energy crisis, with the first shipment of Russian crude already arriving in Bataan this week. 

Officials said this marks the country’s first Russian oil purchase in five years, reflecting Manila’s “independent foreign policy” approach amid Middle East supply disruptions.

Marcos told reporters that the government is working to secure alternative fuel sources, including Russian crude, to stabilize supply and protect consumers from skyrocketing prices. “We are eyeing Russian oil as part of our contingency measures,” Marcos said, noting that the ongoing Middle East conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets.

Shipping data confirmed that a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker, Sara Sky, carrying around 100,000 tonnes of ESPO blend crude from Russia’s Kozmino port, docked at Petron’s refinery in Limay, Bataan on March 24. This shipment is the first Russian crude to reach the Philippines since 2021.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro explained that the administration’s independent foreign policy has opened the door to sourcing oil from Russia. “We regard all nations as our friends, and as much as possible we strive to avoid misunderstandings with other countries,” Lazaro said, stressing that Manila has maintained ties with Moscow despite Western sanctions.

The move comes after Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order 110, citing the urgent need to secure fuel supplies and accelerate renewable energy adoption. The order mandates subsidies for public transport, cash aid for drivers, and incentives for alternative energy investments.

Energy officials warned that diesel prices could climb to P134 per liter and gasoline to P112 per liter this week, underscoring the urgency of diversifying supply sources. The Russian oil shipment is expected to help ease short-term supply concerns, though analysts caution that reliance on Russian crude could expose the Philippines to geopolitical risks.

The arrival of Russian oil highlights the government’s balancing act between securing affordable energy and navigating international sanctions. While critics argue that importing Russian crude may complicate relations with Western allies, supporters say it is a pragmatic step to shield Filipinos from the worst effects of the global oil shock.

For now, the Marcos administration is positioning Russian oil imports as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the energy sector, alongside efforts to revive joint exploration talks with China and accelerate renewable energy projects. The coming weeks will determine whether these measures can effectively cushion the impact of the crisis on households and industries.