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Davao del Norte Governor Jubahib Clarifies Fuel Deal as Petronas Denies Involvement

01 April, 2026.Other.4 sources

Key Takeaways

Plan to import 44 million liters of diesel from Malaysia is exploratory.
Jubahib says negotiations are with Malaysian Highness, not directly with Petronas.
Petronas denied involvement in the reported 44-million-liter diesel deal.

Exploratory Talks

Jubahib clarified the cooperation with the Malaysian Highness is purely exploratory with no formal agreement.

“Facebook Video Home Live Reels Explore More Home Live Reels Explore 0:00 / 5:04 STATEMENT OF JUBAHIB ON FUEL CRISIS Davao del Norte governor Edwin Jubahib has officially released a statement following the virality of his local press statement regarding the rising fuel cost globally”

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Petronas flatly denied any involvement, saying it was not aware of nor involved in any such arrangement.

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Jubahib emphasized he has no direct communication with Petronas and the initiative may or may not prosper.

The episode underscores the limits of local governments in international energy deals.

From Bold Plan to Ambiguity

The plan shifted from a proactive move to a cautious exploratory description.

The lack of a confirmed supplier created false expectations of relief for local consumers.

GMA Network

Jubahib defended the move as a response to urgent economic pressures.

National Coordination Challenges

Jubahib stressed any eventual agreement would follow proper national channels.

“DAVAO CITY (April 1) — What was presented as a bold provincial response to rising fuel costs is now being recast as preliminary talk, after a public denial from Malaysia’s state oil giant exposed gaps in the plan”