Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, said the plan of the provincial government to import up to 44 million liters of diesel from Malaysia amid the fuel crisis in the Philippines was purely exploratory and only part of negotiations with the Malaysian Highness.

Jubahib made the clarification after Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) denied reports that it was involved in or had entered into any fuel supply agreement with any local government unit in the Philippines.

“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 in a statement.

PETRONAS added that its priority is to ensure stable fuel supply within Malaysia.

In a statement, Jubahib clarified he has no direct communication with PETRONAS, and that the initiative of the provincial government to seek help with the Malaysian Highness may or may not prosper.

“The engagement is not intended to undermine any legal process and regulations set forth by both of our National Governments,” Jubahib said.

“I wish to emphasize once again that our exploratory engagement with the Highness as Local Chief Executive of the Province face with a difficult situation to carry out my mandate to look after the welfare of my constituents,” he added.

Jubahib maintained that the plan to procure fuel from Malaysia was driven by the need to address the effects of rising fuel prices on basic commodities and services.

“Having established a good international cooperation with the Highness of Malaysia, I took the initiative of connecting with our good ally for the possibility of helping the Province in sourcing out at least 44 Million Liters of Diesel Fuel to help augment the dwindling supply in the Province,” Jubahib said.

However, he said if the negotiation does not succeed, the provincial government will continue to explore other options to address the fuel supply situation.

“The soaring prices of fuel have already affected prices of all commodities and services, making the life of all public consumers more difficult. I cannot afford to let my constituents from Davao del Norte suffer without me doing anything to alleviate their condition,” Jubahib said.