Philippines sets talks with Iran on oil ships’ passageA vessel containing 142,000 barrels or 22.57 liters of diesel procured by the government as seen in a Deparmtent of Energy-released image on Thursday, March 26, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is set to hold talks with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz, now effectively under Tehran’s control. Earlier this week, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian called on the Marcos administration to hold high-level discussions with Iran to secure the safe passage of oil vessels bound for the Philippines. A shipment of more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil has arrived in the Philippines. China oil exports to Philippines continueThe Chinese embassy, meanwhile, has assured Energy Secretary Sharon Garin that China has no ban on oil export to the Philippines.

Source: Philippine Star March 31, 2026 16:26 UTC