MANILA (March 25): The Philippines is working with Washington to secure waivers and exemptions that will allow it to obtain oil from US-sanctioned countries and guarantee supplies, its ambassador to the United States said. "We are working with the State Department to get waivers or exemptions to purchase oil from US-sanctioned countries," Jose Manuel Romualdez told Reuters in an exchange of phone messages. Asked if imports of oil from Venezuela and Iran were part of the discussions, Romualdez said "all options are being considered." The shipment would be the country's first imports ofRussian crude oil in five years, following a 30-day waiver issued by the United States. Washington on Friday also issued a 30-day sanctions waiver for the purchase of Iranian oil already at sea.

Source: The Edge Markets March 25, 2026 02:55 UTC