Philippines Seeks U.S. Sanctions Waivers for Oil Imports Amid Energy Crisis

The Philippines is turning to Washington for help in its effort to secure oil waivers and exemptions. Faced with an energy crunch due to Middle East tensions, the country has declared a state of national energy emergency to address the fallout.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said discussions are underway to explore obtaining oil from Venezuelan and Iranian sources, with the process described as a "work in progress." The Philippines is pushing for waivers from the State Department, aiming to boost its fuel reserves.

The government has authorized fuel procurement and temporarily increased coal-fired energy production. As part of these measures, the Philippines received its first Russian oil import in five years, facilitated by a U.S. waiver, while also benefiting from a recent waiver for Iranian oil.