MANILA 鈥 The Philippines鈥 Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said on Tuesday that the country is asking the United States for an extension on a waiver to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products.
鈥淲e are awaiting their response, but we are very positive on getting this other window,鈥 Ms. Garin said at a news briefing, adding that the waiver had already expired on April 11.
Ms. Garin said the government is optimistic about securing the extension but is also preparing alternative supply arrangements in case the request is not approved.
She said the Philippines is pursuing diversification of its energy sources and supply options are not limited to Russia, with the government also eyeing producers in South America, including Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and even the United States.
鈥淲e wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options. We need diversification,鈥 she said.
Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said last month that Manila was working with Washington to secure waivers and exemptions that will allow it to obtain oil from US-sanctioned countries. 鈥 Reuters
