The annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to be held in Cebu on Friday, comes amid mounting pressure on member states following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for the majority of Asia’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports.

Marcos said discussions would center on strengthening regional preparedness, stabilizing energy supplies and accelerating diversification efforts to reduce reliance on external sources vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.ASEAN’s 11 member states are among the most affected by the disruption, with many heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports.

The Philippines, which relies almost entirely on the region for crude oil, declared a national energy emergency in March after fuel prices more than doubled.Supply shortages have also been reported in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, with fuel stations in some areas forced to suspend operations.

Rising energy costs have driven up production and logistics expenses, weakened currencies and slowed economic growth across the region.The summit is expected to address coordinated responses to the crisis, including maintaining open trade flows and avoiding restrictive measures that could exacerbate shortages.

“What do we do? How can we help each other?” Marcos said in earlier remarks, adding that the meeting would focus on oil, food security and the welfare of migrant workers.Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial said leaders were expected to issue a joint statement outlining collective measures to manage the crisis and strengthen long-term coordination.

Regional officials have highlighted the need for deeper cooperation, including sharing energy reserves and pursuing joint exploration projects, to reduce dependence on supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

“The protracted Middle East conflict has had an impact on the region, slowing down economic growth and lowering projections,” said Tereso Panga, head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, noting that closer coordination could help stabilize supply and mitigate volatility in energy markets.

The meeting brought together Badr Abdelatty, Ishaq Dar and Hakan Fidan, who reviewed the evolving security situation and emphasized support for efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire, according to an official statement.

Participants welcomed Pakistan’s mediation role in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that diplomatic progress would help de-escalate tensions and limit broader economic and security fallout.Recent developments have raised expectations of a breakthrough.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, alongside Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a temporary truce, have eased pressure on global energy markets and reduced immediate risks of escalation.The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, had disrupted shipping routes and triggered volatility in global oil supplies.

The reopening of the strait long a key U.S. demand—combined with a ceasefire extension linked to Lebanon, has aligned core conditions in ongoing talks.Donald Trump said on Friday that negotiations with Tehran were nearing completion, describing a deal as “very close” and indicating that most major issues had already been resolved.

Previous talks led by J.D. Vance in Pakistan did not produce an agreement, but further negotiations are expected as diplomatic channels remain active.Trump also credited regional actors including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for supporting stabilization efforts, while praising Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir for their role in facilitating dialogue.

The Antalya meeting reflects intensified regional coordination as governments seek to consolidate recent gains and move toward a broader settlement that could end hostilities and restore stability across the Middle East.

Fire Rescue Victoria said crews were called at around 11:15 p.m. local time to the Viva Energy Refinery, where the fire involved liquid fuels and gases and remained uncontrolled as of early Thursday.“All emergency response personnel and Viva employees have been accounted for,” the agency said in a statement, adding there were no reported casualties.

Authorities urged residents in Geelong and surrounding areas to remain indoors and close windows and doors as smoke spread across the region due to shifting winds.The refinery, operated by Viva Energy Group, is one of only two remaining oil refineries in Australia and can process up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

It supplies more than half of fuel demand in Victoria state and about 10% of Australia’s total fuel consumption.Fire officials said the blaze was contained to the plant, while the company indicated there was no immediate disruption to fuel supplies.

Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said an investigation would be launched, describing the incident as likely accidental at this stage. He added that while diesel and jet fuel production continued, petrol output could be affected for some time.

The incident comes as Australia faces heightened fuel security concerns linked to disruptions in global energy markets, particularly following tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said last month the government would temporarily cut fuel excise and road user charges to offset rising costs driven by the conflict.

The temporary tax cut will lower fuel costs by 26.3 Australian cents per litre, Albanese said, while the government will also remove the heavy road user charge.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the combined measures would cost about A$2.55 billion.

Global oil markets have tightened sharply after disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global supply previously passed. Brent crude has risen 59% in March, reaching $115.66 per barrel at the start of trading on Monday.

Domestic fuel prices have climbed in response, with diesel exceeding A$3 per litre and petrol reaching A$2.50, according to industry data.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government would use expanded powers to support fuel imports, including underwriting high-cost spot cargoes through Export Finance Australia to ensure supply continuity.

The move aims to assist smaller fuel importers that may be unable to absorb the risks of volatile prices.

Canberra said Australia currently holds fuel reserves equivalent to about 30 days of diesel and jet fuel, and 39 days of petrol, below the 90-day level recommended by the International Energy Agency.

Officials said the country remains at level two of a national fuel security framework focused on maintaining transport and supply chains, warning that prolonged conflict could intensify economic pressures.

The planned aid comes as households face mounting pressure from higher fuel and electricity prices driven by geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.

Earlier this month, the government introduced a three-month cap on profit margins for fuel retailers and a range of supermarket goods in an effort to curb profiteering and contain inflationary pressures.

The measures target both energy-linked products and essential consumer items, reflecting concerns that supply disruptions tied to the conflict could feed through into broader price increases.

Greece, like many energy-importing economies, remains exposed to volatility in international fuel markets.

The government’s intervention signals an effort to balance market stability with consumer protection as the conflict’s economic impact deepens.Further details of the aid package were not immediately disclosed.

A fuel reservoir at Primorsk caught fire after a drone strike, Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, said on Telegram. Separately, Ust-Luga operations were halted due to a drone alert in the surrounding area, the sources said.

Both ports, located in Russia’s northwestern Leningrad region, handle the bulk of the country’s seaborne crude oil and refined fuel exports from its western outlets, making them critical nodes in Russia’s energy supply chain.

The suspensions underscore growing vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure as drone attacks increasingly target logistics and export facilities. While the extent of damage and the expected duration of the halt were not immediately clear, any prolonged disruption could tighten export availability from Baltic routes.

Transneft, Russia’s state-controlled oil pipeline monopoly that operates both Primorsk and Ust-Luga, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Primorsk and Ust-Luga serve as key gateways for Russian crude and petroleum products destined for international markets, particularly in Europe and beyond via maritime routes. Interruptions at these ports can affect shipping schedules, storage logistics and broader supply balances.

The incidents come amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a pattern of attacks on energy infrastructure, raising concerns over the resilience of supply networks and potential knock-on effects in global oil markets.

“We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he travelled to Florida, referring to a framework in which India would begin purchasing Venezuelan crude oil.

Trump’s comments came shortly after reports that the United States had indicated India could soon resume purchases of Venezuelan oil to help make up for a reduction in Russian crude imports which New Delhi has been adjusting under shifting trade and diplomatic conditions.

India halted purchases of Venezuelan oil after Washington imposed a 25 percent tariff last year on countries buying Venezuelan crude, and that tax had kept Caracas largely out of India’s import mix. Trump’s latest remarks, however, suggest a possible easing of past restrictions to facilitate renewed trade between India and Venezuela.

At the same time, India has not been a significant buyer of Iranian oil in recent years due to longstanding U.S. sanctions on Tehran’s energy sector, which were reimposed in 2019 and have limited India’s access to Iranian crude for much of the past decade.

Following the imposition of sanctions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Indian refiners increased purchases of discounted Russian crude, making Moscow a major supplier in place of Middle Eastern and Venezuelan sources. Trump’s administration has been encouraging New Delhi to diversify away from Russian oil, and the push toward Venezuelan supplies is part of that broader strategy.

The demographic shift in trade has also seen refiners like Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and MRPL express interest in Venezuelan crude, which is heavier and more suitable for certain complex refining units, although India has not taken Venezuelan cargoes since mid-2025. Renewed access could support diversification of crude sources and yield different refining margins.

Trump further suggested that other countries, including China, are also welcome to strike similar deals to buy Venezuelan oil, though he did not elaborate on any specific agreements or timelines for such arrangements.

While Trump described the idea as a deal in concept, official statements from Indian authorities confirming purchase agreements have not yet been made public, and observers note that any trade shift would involve consultation with industry and regulatory review.

This outreach comes amid a broader effort by New Delhi to diversify its crude supply sources while Indian refiners reduce their reliance on discounted Russian oil as part of ongoing adjustments in global energy markets.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Washington has indicated that India can resume purchases of Venezuelan crude that had previously been restricted under U.S. tariff policy, which imposed a 25 percent levy on countries for buying Venezuelan oil in 2025.

The suggestion to lift or ease those restrictions is intended to give India additional options to balance its crude import mix as Russian oil volumes shrink in the coming months.

India’s imports of Russian crude, which stood at about 1.2 million barrels per day in January, are expected to fall to around 1 million bpd in February and approximately 800,000 bpd in March, with further reductions possible later in the year.

Some sources project that Russian imports could eventually decline to between 500,000 and 600,000 bpd as India continues diversifying its portfolio of crude suppliers.

This shift reflects broader changes in global crude flows that have been influenced by Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which drove down Russian oil prices and made that oil commercially attractive to buyers like India.

After becoming a major buyer of Russian crude following the conflict, India is now adjusting its purchasing patterns as geopolitical pressures and trade relationships evolve.

In response to the U.S. tariff regime, Indian refiners had already begun diversifying their purchases.

They increased imports from Middle Eastern, African, and other South American sources to help reduce dependence on Russian oil supplies.

The Venezuela offer comes at a time when Venezuela’s oil sector has been undergoing changes, including reforms aimed at attracting investment and expanding production following shifts in domestic policy.

However, it is not yet clear whether Venezuelan oil would be marketed through global trading firms or sold directly by state entities.

India’s own energy strategy emphasizes diversification to ensure long-term security of supply and to manage price volatility, especially as refining capacity and domestic demand evolve.

By securing flexible access to multiple crude sources, India aims to balance economic interests with its growing energy requirements.

At the same time, discussions between U.S. and Indian officials continue against the backdrop of broader trade and economic relationships, including efforts to reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic ties.

If policy changes are formalized, Venezuelan crude could become an increasingly important element of India’s energy import mix as Russian volumes decline.

The situation has drawn global attention as energy supply patterns in the Caribbean and Latin America continue to evolve amid broader geopolitical and market changes.

For many years, energy cooperation within the region has played a central role in supporting electricity generation, transportation, and industrial activity on the island.

Recent developments have prompted Cuban officials to reiterate their commitment to maintaining essential services and exploring alternative supply options to meet domestic needs.

Officials in Havana have highlighted that Cuba has the right to engage in trade with a range of international partners, particularly in sectors vital to daily life and economic stability.

They stressed that energy security remains a priority, and that adjustments in sourcing are part of a longer-term effort to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability.

Energy analysts note that Venezuela has historically been a key supplier of crude oil and fuel to Cuba, contributing significantly to the island’s overall energy mix.

However, they also point out that Cuba has increasingly sought supplementary supplies from other countries, including Mexico, and has explored market-based purchases when possible.

The evolving energy landscape has encouraged renewed focus on efficiency, conservation, and infrastructure maintenance across the island.

Efforts to optimize power generation and manage demand have become central themes in discussions around economic sustainability and social well-being.

Regional observers say that shifts in oil flows often have ripple effects across multiple sectors, influencing transportation, manufacturing, and household energy access.

In response, Cuban institutions have emphasized planning and adaptability as tools to ensure continuity and minimize disruption for citizens.

While international commentary has framed the issue in geopolitical terms, Cuban officials have focused their messaging on sovereignty, economic management, and national self-determination.

They have underscored that decisions regarding trade and cooperation are guided by domestic priorities and the welfare of the population.

At the same time, global energy markets are experiencing volatility, prompting many countries to reassess supply chains and partnerships.

Within this context, Cuba’s efforts to secure fuel from diverse sources mirror broader regional trends toward flexibility and risk management.

Economic experts suggest that continued engagement with a range of suppliers could help stabilize energy availability over time.

They add that investment in renewable energy and modernization of existing facilities may further support long-term energy security.

Despite near-term challenges, Cuban authorities have conveyed confidence in the country’s ability to adapt and move forward.

They have highlighted the importance of international cooperation based on mutual respect, trade norms, and non-interference.

As the situation develops, attention remains focused on how changing regional dynamics will influence energy access and economic activity in the Caribbean.

For many residents, the priority remains reliable electricity, fuel availability, and gradual improvement in living conditions amid a shifting global environment.

As Washington explores a structured pathway for Venezuela’s recovery, US energy companies are carefully assessing long-term opportunities, balancing vast resource potential with investor expectations and strategic discipline.

US oil companies are entering a pivotal moment as renewed dialogue around Venezuela’s energy sector opens the door to one of the world’s largest untapped crude reserves, offering potential long-term gains amid a changing geopolitical landscape.

Senior executives are preparing for discussions at the White House that signal strong political interest in re-engaging with Venezuela’s oil industry, a move framed as both an economic opportunity and a step toward regional stabilization.

Venezuela holds the largest proven crude reserves globally, and industry leaders widely acknowledge the scale of opportunity that could emerge if production infrastructure is modernized and governance frameworks are clarified.

Energy policymakers have outlined a phased approach to Venezuela’s recovery, beginning with stabilization, followed by infrastructure rehabilitation and ultimately a broader economic transition designed to attract sustained international investment.

This structured outlook has encouraged cautious optimism among US producers, who see potential for long-term value creation rather than short-term gains driven by rapid capital deployment.

Major oil companies with prior experience in Venezuela are taking a measured approach, emphasizing capital discipline, predictable fiscal terms, and clarity on contractual protections before committing to large-scale investments.

Investors have echoed this prudence, underscoring that while the geological appeal is undeniable, durable political stability and transparent regulation will be essential to unlock shareholder confidence.

Chevron’s continued presence in Venezuela provides a reference point for how partnerships could evolve, while other firms that exited years ago are monitoring conditions closely as diplomatic and economic signals evolve.

Market participants note that rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector would also generate opportunities for service companies, logistics providers, and engineering firms, creating a multiplier effect across the energy value chain.

Energy service companies have indicated readiness to support future projects once timing, partnerships, and regulatory clarity align, highlighting the importance of sequencing and coordination in any large-scale revival.

From a strategic perspective, Venezuela’s potential re-entry into global energy markets could enhance supply diversity, contribute to price stability, and support broader energy security objectives.

Former regional energy leaders point out that successful re-engagement will depend on clear transitional governance arrangements that reassure both companies and capital markets about the continuity of policy decisions.

US officials have emphasized that engagement with Venezuela is intended to be orderly and phased, reducing uncertainty and allowing companies to assess opportunities at a pace aligned with their risk frameworks.

This approach resonates with long-term investors who favor predictable returns over rapid expansion, especially in capital-intensive upstream projects requiring years of sustained commitment.

While questions remain about infrastructure conditions and administrative coordination, there is broad agreement that modernization efforts could significantly boost output and efficiency over time.

The dialogue unfolding between government leaders and industry executives reflects a shared recognition that Venezuela’s energy future, if carefully managed, could benefit producers, investors, consumers, and the Venezuelan people alike.

As discussions continue, US oil firms are positioning themselves to stay engaged, informed, and ready, viewing Venezuela not as a short-term bet but as a potential cornerstone of long-range energy strategy.