Manila Requests US Sanction Waiver Extension to Secure Russian Oil Amid Global Energy Crisis

Manila seeks a US sanction waiver for Russian crude to combat fuel shortages caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade and soaring local prices.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 5:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

The Urgent Search for Energy Alternatives in Manila

The Philippine government announced on April 14 that it is seeking formal permission from Washington to increase its intake of Russian crude oil. As an import-dependent nation, the Philippines is currently grappling with a severe supply crunch triggered by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is a critical artery for the country, which has seen at least four million barrels of scheduled shipments vanish since the escalation of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Navigating the Complex Web of International Sanctions

Washington had previously provided a temporary reprieve in March, easing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine to allow for the purchase of Russian oil already in transit through April 11. This move was intended to prevent a total collapse of global energy markets following the closure of the Hormuz passage. Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed that the Department of Energy has coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs to request a formal extension of this embargo lifting, highlighting the necessity of Russian supplies in the current climate.

Strategic Vulnerabilities and the Hormuz Blockade

The geopolitical importance of the Middle Eastern shipping lanes cannot be overstated for the archipelago's economy. Approximately 30 percent of the Philippines' crude imports are directly reliant on the Strait of Hormuz, while the remainder of its fuel is processed by Asian refiners who are themselves tethered to Middle Eastern crude. According to Energy Secretary Garin, the supply deficit has moved beyond a temporary disruption, as the administration now views the energy shortage as a prolonged structural problem that threatens long term economic stability.