Claims circulating on social media alleging that the Malaysian government exported diesel to the Philippines have been debunked, with authorities clarifying that the confusion stemmed from a misunderstanding of maritime logistics in Johor waters.
Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who also serves as Communications Minister, explained that the diesel in question was neither processed nor supplied by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) or any Malaysian oil firm. Instead, the fuel belonged to Singapore-based company Vitol and had already been sold to buyers in the Philippines.
He said the diesel was stored at a facility in Tanjung Pelepas, Johor, before being transported. Due to standard maritime classification, vessels departing from Johor waters are often recorded as leaving Malaysia, which led to widespread misinterpretation among online users. In reality, the cargo was not of Malaysian origin despite its point of departure.
Fahmi noted that clarifications issued by both Petronas and the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) had confirmed the diesel shipment was not linked to Malaysia. He urged the public to rely on verified information to avoid unnecessary confusion over the issue.
Earlier, the MTEN Crisis Management Team stated that the 329,000 barrels of diesel recently shipped to the Philippines were inaccurately reported by several international media outlets as originating from Malaysia. The council also reminded the public to refrain from speculation and instead refer to official government sources.
In a separate statement, Petronas reiterated that it had no involvement in the export of approximately 329,000 barrels, or 52.311 million litres, of diesel to the Philippines. The national oil company stressed that it had not entered into any agreements with parties in the Philippines regarding such supply.
Previous reports from Philippine media had indicated that the shipment was part of efforts by the Philippine government to strengthen its domestic fuel reserves amid global market uncertainty. The report also noted that the country had earlier received 142,000 barrels, or 22.578 million litres, of diesel from Japan on March 26.
