Hormuz Deal Gives PH a Breather on Oil Shipments

The Philippines got a bit of relief in the middle of the global fuel mess after Iran pledged to allow safe passage for Philippine oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. For an import-dependent country like the PH, malaking bagay ito because that route is critical for energy supply.

The Manila Times reported that the assurance came after a phone call between Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro and her Iranian counterpart. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Iran committed to the safe, unhindered, and speedy passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy cargo, and Filipino seafarers through the strait.

The development comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency last week as the Middle East war kept pushing fuel prices to historic highs. Tehran had effectively closed the waterway to traffic since the conflict escalated, putting extra pressure on countries relying on Gulf energy shipments.

The DFA said the commitment helps protect the steady delivery of oil and fertilizer to the Philippines. Lazaro also said the talks produced a positive understanding on both the safety of Filipino seafarers and the security of the country's energy supply.

The same report said Petron has already turned to Russian crude out of what it described as extreme necessity after several shipments were canceled. Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/02/news/iran-to-allow-ph-oil-shipments-through-strait-of-hormuz/2313230