DFA to meet Iranian ambassador on safe oil ships’ passage

National

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is looking for ways to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy supply.

In a report by Philstar, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro is expected to meet with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

The meeting aims to secure the country’s oil supply as fuel prices surge due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, has seen reduced traffic after Iran threatened attacks on passing vessels.

Reports indicate multiple commercial ships have already been targeted since hostilities escalated, raising concerns over the stability of global oil flows.

To cushion the impact, the government is also exploring alternative oil sources, including Canada, the United States, parts of South America, and Russia. A recent shipment of Russian crude has already arrived in the country, helping boost short-term supply.(Zsarrhied Samantha A. Tanjay, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)