Maharlika Investment Corporation has pivoted from its usual portfolio to tackle the Philippines’ energy crisis by eyeing oil storage infrastructure. The sovereign wealth fund’s shift follows mounting fuel shortages that have pressured domestic prices and import costs.

President and CEO Rafael D Consing Jr. told Infrastructure Investor that the fund is in talks to back the country’s oil sector amid a national energy emergency. The plan seeks to build a buffer against price spikes and secure steady supply for consumers and businesses.

The move underscores concerns over the Philippines’ reliance on imported fuel and the volatility of global oil markets. By investing in storage capacity, Maharlika can reduce exposure to sudden supply shocks and potentially lower transport and industrial costs.

Stakeholders will monitor how the fund’s investment turns into concrete infrastructure projects. Successful deployment could set a precedent for sovereign wealth funds to actively shape national energy security and reshape regional investment strategies.