US grants extension to import Russian oil, Philippines says

The United States has granted the Philippines’ request to extend a waiver to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products, the Philippine energy department said on Monday.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the waiver is effective from April 17 to May 16, 2026.

Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the country still has 54 days of fuel reserves.

The United States granted a 30-day waiver in March to import Russian oil and petroleum products, which expired on April 11.

Garin also said that the country’s moratorium on new coal projects will remain in place despite calls from various business groups to lift the ban due to energy security risks linked to the Middle East conflict.

Garin said projects with permits secured by 2019 may still proceed or be completed.

She said the energy department is also assessing coal-fired plants for possible retirement due to reliability issues and higher long-term costs for consumers.

She said the DOE is reviewing previously approved projects that may still move forward, and those that may no longer proceed.

In 2020, the Philippines imposed a moratorium on new coal facilities to cut carbon emissions and encourage the country’s shift to clean energy.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict.