Phoenix Petroleum set to start oil warehouse operations in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines - Publicly-listed Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. will start the operation of its 50-million liter oil warehouse in Batangas next month, a ranking company official said.

Phoenix chief operating officer Romeo de Guzman said the move signals the company’s aggressive expansion in the Luzon area.

“Phoenix Petroleum will launch its terminal with a 50-million liter capacity next month. This terminal will be the foundation of our retail distribution network as well as guaranty the continued supply of fuel to the consuming public through the storage and terminalling business of the company,” De Guzman said.

Most of Phoenix operations are focused in Mindanao. But recently, the company decided to bring its retail expansion network in the Luzon area to expand its business operations with the scheduled commercial opening of its terminal within the Batangas Union Industrial Park in Calaca, Batangas.

Despite fluctuating world oil prices, de Guzman said the company is optimistic it can become one of the leaders in the retail fuel industry.

“This would entail a lot of preparations and hard work for top management and our employees.”

“We know we can achieve this goal as we have attracted the bright young minds of this generation to complement management with a proven track record and impeccable experience in the oil industry,” De Guzman added.

This year, the company is planning to put up more gas stations to support its expansion program over the near-term.

“Phoenix targets to add 35 retail service stations within the year. Hopefully, 20 stations will be put up in Luzon, five in the Visayas and 10 stations in Mindanao,” De Guzman said.

Phoenix Petroleum has had notable achievements in its short existence. From a simple family venture, it successfully transformed into one of the prominent companies engaged in the trading and distribution of petroleum products in Mindanao.

In 2007, it was listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange, the first oil company to be listed in the bourse following the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.

Today, Phoenix Petroleum has 100 gasoline stations mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The company is one of the few oil companies with a terminal where its safety features are at par with international and industry standards.