Malaysia’s national oil company has pushed back against claims that it struck a fuel agreement with a provincial government in the Philippines, calling the reports inaccurate.
Petroliam Nasional Berhad, better known as PETRONAS, said in a statement Sunday that it had no knowledge of, and played no part in, any such arrangement. “PETRONAS wishes to clarify that it is not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement, and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment,” the company said.
The denial follows reports that Davao del Norte had been in talks with PETRONAS over the procurement of 44 million liters of fuel — an arrangement a provincial official had described as being in progress.
The company also made clear where its current obligations lie. “PETRONAS’ immediate focus is to ensure that reliable and continuous fuel supply is available for Malaysia. This remains its utmost priority, supported by established supply networks and close coordination with the Government,” it said.
On the broader energy picture in the Philippines, the Department of Energy has confirmed it secured approximately 165.7 million liters — roughly 1.042 million barrels — of diesel, with an initial delivery of around 22.6 million liters having arrived on March 26.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has told the public that domestic crude oil stocks are sufficient through June 30. Separately, Prime Energy — the firm controlled by businessman Enrique Razon Jr. — has reported that natural gas production from Malampaya Phase 4 is on track to begin by late 2026, following drilling and flow testing at the Camago-3 well off Palawan.
