DOE secures 1.04M barrels of diesel to stabilize April fuel supply

CEBU CITY— The government has bolstered fuel reserves by securing 1.042 million barrels (about 165.7 million liters) of diesel mostly for April delivery to stabilize domestic supply amid global oil volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, the Department of Energy (DOE) said the deliveries were arranged through the Philippine National Oil Company–Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) and scheduled in four phases to ensure a steady supply, in compliance with Executive Order No. 110, which places the country under a State of National Energy Emergency.

The DOE said the initiative was part of its “sustained oil diplomacy,” referring to high-level engagements led by the agency and other government entities that resulted in concrete deliveries to strengthen domestic fuel availability in the coming weeks.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin

“This is a concrete demonstration of the government’s resolve to act early, act decisively, and protect the national interest."

First shipment done

The first shipment, consisting of 142,000 barrels or 22,578,000 liters from Japan, arrived in the Philippines last March. The remaining deliveries, set to arrive in April, are expected to help protect the domestic market from the effects of external disruptions:

• • 300,000 barrels (47,700,000 liters) from Malaysia/Singapore - early April
• • 300,000 barrels (47,700,000 liters) from North Asia/India - mid-April
• • 300,000 barrels (47,700,000 liters) from Oman/Singapore - end April

“This is a concrete demonstration of the government’s resolve to act early, act decisively, and protect the national interest,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.

“By securing these deliveries and scheduling their arrival through April, we are reinforcing domestic supply, supporting critical sectors, and helping ensure that the country remains responsive and resilient amid continued uncertainty in the global oil market.”

Work continues

She said the department would continue all efforts—through international diplomacy, coordination with relevant government entities, and sustained market monitoring—to preserve fuel availability and cushion the country from external supply shocks.

The DOE stressed that the country, as a net importer of petroleum products, remains vulnerable to external developments that can affect both price and supply. 

In response, the government will swiftly move to strengthen fuel availability, maintain orderly market conditions, and safeguard consumer welfare. 

It will also coordinate with industry stakeholders to monitor inventory levels, facilitate the timely distribution of incoming volumes, and prevent supply bottlenecks that may disrupt transport, logistics, power generation, and other vital economic activities. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma