'Independent foreign policy opens door to Russian oil'

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Marcos administration's “independent foreign policy” allows Manila to source oil from Russia, as the country braces for supply shocks triggered by the Middle East conflict.

- MALOU TALOSIG-BARTOLOME

“We regard all nations as our friends, and as much as possible we strive to avoid misunderstandings with other countries. As seen in the case of Russia and Ukraine, many states chose not to sever ties with Russia despite its invasion. For our part, we have continued our relations. At present, we are in need of oil,” Lazaro said in a televised interview, stressing that the policy ensures “the time will come when we have needs that they can fill.”

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier confirmed that Manila had already approached Moscow for possible importation, though she gave no details on volumes or duration.

First cargo bound for Limay

REUTERS reported that the oil tanker Sara Sky, carrying 100,000 tons (about 750,000 barrels) of ESPO Blend crude, is now en route to the Philippines. Shipping data from LSEG, Kpler and OilX show the vessel left Russia’s Far East Kozmino port and is expected to dock at the Bataan terminal in Limay on Monday.