The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier announced that Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has agreed “to allow safe, unhindered, and passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers.”

Foreign Affairs secretary Theresa Lazaro earlier had a phone conversation with Araghchi where the latter assured safe passage for Filipino seafarers and Philippine-flagged vessels.

The assurance comes at a critical time as geopolitical tensions have disrupted shipping routes in the region and raised concerns about the stability of global energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with roughly 20% of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international markets.

Ensuring safe navigation through the strait is particularly important for the Philippines, which relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East.

“Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines,” said Secretary Lazaro in a press statement.

An energy expert said while Philippine vessels have been cleared to pass through Iran’s Straits of Hormuz, the government still needs to establish long-term solutions to reduce reliance on the use of importer crude oil.

Atty. Jay Layug, senior partner of DivinaLaw and executive board member of the Philippine Energy Research & Policy Institute (PERPI) hopes the action of Iran will appease Filipinos’ concern on the flow of petroleum products.

“Whether this solves the issue of supply constraints and price increases still depends on the action of other parties to the dispute, especially the US.  The oil market continues to be volatile and adversely reacts on a drawn-out Middle East conflict, “said Atty. Layug in a text message to Power Philippines.

He maintained that “the best long-term solution for the Philippines is still to reduce reliance on the use of oil.”

The government has been exploring various strategies to improve energy security, including accelerating renewable energy development, expanding natural gas infrastructure, and strengthening strategic fuel reserves.

For now, the DFA said diplomatic coordination with Iran will continue to ensure the safe movement of Philippine vessels and energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The development highlights how global geopolitical tensions can directly affect the Philippines’ energy supply chain, particularly for oil and fertilizer imports essential to domestic industries and agriculture.

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