ASEAN energy pact under ratification as regional coordination continues – DOE

Metro Manila, Philippines –  The Department of Energy said Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members are in their respective ratification processes for a regional fuel security agreement aimed at strengthening energy cooperation.

“Yes. Each country is undergoing their respective ratification processes,” Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said, referring to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA).

Officials said that even without full ratification, ASEAN mechanisms are in place to coordinate responses to energy concerns.

The agency said coordination is ongoing at multiple levels, including senior officials and regional bodies.

“You have the ASEAN Secretariat moving and coordinating with other sectors like foreign affairs and also the economic pillar. Nandun din po yung ASEAN Center for Energy,” the official said.

[Translation: The ASEAN Secretariat is coordinating with other sectors such as foreign affairs and the economic pillar. The ASEAN Center for Energy is also involved.]

During a recent meeting, ASEAN energy ministers adopted a joint statement that mentioned the petroleum security framework.

“Ang nangyari doon sa meeting natin sa AMEM (ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting) level is we were able to adopt a joint statement na namimention nga po yung APSA or that framework for petroleum security,” the official said.

[Translation: During the AMEM-level meeting, we were able to adopt a joint statement that mentioned APSA or that framework for petroleum security.]

The DOE said the agreement could be raised in an upcoming summit hosted by the Philippines.

“At pwede po itong i-elevate sa meeting of the leaders which will be held in Cebu,” the official said.

[Translation: And this can be elevated to the meeting of leaders which will be held in Cebu.]

“That coordination is enabling ASEAN to be a stronger, unified, and collective group that may be able to position itself better amidst the geopolitical events that are happening sa panahon po ngayon,” the official said.

[Translation: That coordination enables ASEAN to become a stronger, more unified and collective group that can better position itself amid current geopolitical events.]

A key feature of APSA is a regional petroleum buffer system, which would allow member states to access shared fuel reserves during supply shortages.

The Philippines has been pushing for stronger cooperation, emphasizing the need to diversify supply sources and reduce dependence on a single region such as the Middle East.

Energy security is among key discussions expected during the ASEAN leaders’ summit in Cebu on May 7-8.