Philippines seeks US, Russian, Australian thermal coal to cut reliance on Indonesia

The Philippines is exploring thermal coal supplies from the United States, Russia and Australia to reduce its heavy reliance on imports of steam coal from Indonesia, Philippines Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on October 27, as Manila seeks to diversify fuel sources amid uncertainty over Indonesia's planned changes to coal export arrangements.

The Philippine government is in discussions with several countries about potential supply options, including the US and Russia, while Australia is also a potential supplier, Garin told reporters on the sidelines of the 10th Singapore-International Energy Agency Forum. The Philippines currently sources about 85% of its coal from Indonesia,