Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday announced that the country will receive additional diesel shipments totaling 900,000 barrels in April to bolster the national fuel reserves. This move comes as the DOE assures the public of a sufficient fuel supply until May.

According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin provided an overview of the current fuel inventory during an online briefing, stating that the country has an average of 50.94 days' worth of fuel supply as of March 27. The breakdown of stocks includes gasoline for 59.78 days, diesel for 46.93 days, kerosene for 107.88 days, jet fuel for 62.69 days, fuel oil for 57.27 days, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 34.02 days.

Garin highlighted that the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) has procured 165.7 million liters, equivalent to 1.042 million barrels, of diesel to be delivered in April. This procurement is part of the DOE's Emergency Energy Security Program, initiated under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 110, to ensure a stable oil supply nationwide.

The first shipment of 142,000 barrels from Japan arrived on March 26. Further deliveries are scheduled, including 300,000 barrels from Malaysia/Singapore in early April, another 300,000 barrels from North Asia or India by mid-April, and a final 300,000 barrels from Oman/Singapore by the end of April.

In a separate statement, Garin emphasized the government's proactive strategy in managing fuel supply amid global market volatility. She noted that securing these deliveries and scheduling their arrival through April demonstrates the government's commitment to reinforcing domestic supply and supporting critical sectors.

Garin also mentioned ongoing efforts to coordinate internationally, collaborate with government agencies, and monitor the domestic market. The government is exploring additional supplies of LPG and jet fuel as part of its strategy.

Additionally, DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad reported that Petron expects a delivery of approximately 477 million liters of crude oil next week, with an additional 317 million liters anticipated the following week. He explained that around 19 percent of Petron's production contributes to LPG production, enhancing the country's fuel supply.

The DOE continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to monitor inventory levels, ensure timely distribution of incoming shipments, and prevent potential supply disruptions.