US EditionPhilippines discovers new gas deposit near disputed South China Sea
The newly confirmed 98 billion cubic feet gas reservoir near Malampaya could power 5.7 million homes annually and extend the field's life beyond 2029, officials said.
- On Monday, January 19, 2026 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the Malampaya East-1 reservoir contains about 98 billion cubic feet of gas roughly five kilometers east of the Malampaya gas field off Palawan province.
- Facing declining output, officials accelerated exploration as Malampaya Field neared depletion by 2027, extended Service Contract 38 to February 22, 2039, and began LNG imports in April 2023.
- The Service Contract 38 consortium led by Prime Energy reported initial flows of 60 million cubic feet per day from the MAE-1 well, drilled by Filipino teams, containing condensate and estimated to hold 98 billion cubic feet of gas, equivalent to about 14 billion kilowatt-hours annually.
- Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the discovery could reduce power costs for around 8 million households, extend the original Malampaya Field’s life to 2030, and support the 500km undersea gas pipeline while aiding coal-fired generation phase-out.
- The find, the first in more than a decade, sits near disputed South China Sea waters amid Beijing’s claims, while experts say the Philippines still needs to expand renewables like solar, hydro, and offshore wind in the coming years.
45 Articles
45 Articles
New gas find to power 5.7M households a year
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the discovery of a new gas source near the depleting Malampaya field off Palawan province, the country’s first natural gas discovery in more than a decade that is expected to significantly boost the country’s energy supply and strengthen long-term energy security. The well called Malampaya […]...Keep on reading: New gas find to power 5.7M households a year
Billionaire Enrique Razon, Partners Spending $893 Million To Develop New Philippine Gas Field
Ports-to-casino billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. has been stepping up energy investments in recent years. His Prime Infra Holdings agreed to buy a 45% stake in the Malampaya gas field in 2022.
Philippine Announces ‘Significant’ New Gas Find in Waters Facing The Disputed South China Sea
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the undersea reservoir northwest off Palawan province is estimated to contain about 98 billion cubic feet of gas, which can supply power to more than 5.7 million households annually.
New Gas Discovery Bolsters Philippine Energy Security Amid South China Sea Tensions
New Gas Discovery Bolsters Philippine Energy Security Amid South China Sea Tensions In a significant development, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the discovery of a new natural gas deposit near the South China Sea, a move that promises to bolster the nation's energy security.Located northwest of Palawan province, the undersea reservoir holds an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas. Early tests suggest that 60 million cubic …
GazetteXtra
Philippine president announces new gas find in waters facing the disputed South China Sea
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the discovery of a new natural gas deposit near an existing gas field in waters facing the disputed South China Sea, which could shield his country from a potential power…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
