US extends waiver for Philippines to import Russian oil

The United States has granted the Philippines a 30-day extension to continue importing Russian oil and petroleum products, following a formal request from Manila.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the new waiver period is scheduled to run from April 17 to May 16, according to international media outlets. Philippine Deputy Energy Minister Alessandro Sales confirmed the timeline, while Energy Minister Sharon Garin noted that the country currently maintains a 54-day fuel reserve to ensure domestic stability.

The previous 30-day waiver granted by Washington expired on April 11. Both nations emphasized that the extension is crucial for maintaining the continuity of the Philippines' energy supply. This decision comes as US President Donald Trump's administration continues to manage global energy dynamics, balancing international sanctions with the economic needs of strategic partners. The Philippines remains heavily dependent on fuel imports to power its growing economy and mitigate the impact of volatile global market prices.