The Philippines received a shipment of Iranian crude oil this month, marking what is likely the country's first such delivery in a considerable period, following supply disruptions from the Middle East and a hiatus lasting years due to sanctions and
geopolitical circumstances. Vessel tracking data revealed that the oil tanker "Ocean Start" delivered a cargo of Iranian crude oil to the Bataan refinery in the Philippines on May 17. The tanker is reportedly capable of carrying up to one million barrels
of oil. The data further indicated that the "Ocean Start" received its consignment in early May via a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer in waters off Singapore from another tanker named "Kailo." The "Kailo" had loaded the crude oil from Iran's Kharg Island
on March 27. This delivery signifies the first such shipment of Iranian crude oil to reach the Philippines since the onset of disruptions that impacted Iranian exports.
