The archipelago nation of 116 million, which has some of the region's highest energy costs, relies on coal for about 60 percent of its electricity generation. While hoping to "maximise" the use of local coal, the Philippines was also keeping the option of upping its purchases of coal from top supplier Indonesia, the energy secretary said. Indonesia, meanwhile, had assured the Philippines it would place no limits on coal orders. The Philippines -- regularly affected by electricity outages -- is heavily dependent on imported fuel to keep its power plants running. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos in January announced a "significant" discovery of natural gas made near the country's rapidly depleting Malampaya offshore natural gas field.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 24, 2026 05:00 UTC