Philippines receives first Russian oil shipment in five yearsSierra Leone-flagged oil tanker Sara Sky as photographed in September 2024 at Kawasaki port in Japan. MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:41 p.m.) — The first shipment of Russian crude oil in five years arrived in the Philippines following reported talks among the Philippine government, private firms and Russian suppliers. The Philippines relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, facing supply risks and pricing spikes linked to the tensions. “Russia is not a traditional supplier of crude oil to the Philippines or any energy supply, but we are exploring that as well,” Marcos said Tuesday, as quoted in a Malacañang news release. A 30-day window expiring April 11 the US issued lifting sanctions on Russian oil while the conflict is ongoing allowed countries to purchase Russian oil cargoes already in transit.

Source: Philippine Star March 25, 2026 06:18 UTC