Phoenix plans biodiesel plant

MANILA, Philippines - Publicly-listed Phoenix Petroleum Inc. is planning to put up with own biodiesel and ethanol blending plant in the future.

Phoenix chief operating officer Romeo de Guzman told reporters over the weekend said the construction of these processing plants are part of the company’s long-term vision.

“We are studying it. We could build the plant or go on a joint venture.

We are looking at a more cost efficient way to produce best quality products,” the company said.

The company will start the commercial operation of its over P1 billion oil terminal in Batangas by June this year.

Once operational, Phoenix will import in neighboring countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia for its supply requirements. 

At present, the company is buying its requirement from local sources or from different local oil firms.

The company is also planning to put up 50 new retails stations in Luzon and Metro Manila next year.

The expansion of its network will enable the company to service more clients and will compliment the construction of its new oil warehouse in Calaca, Batangas.

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

“Phoenix targets to add 35 retail service stations within the year.

Hopefully, 20 stations will be put in Luzon, five in the Visayas and 10 stations in Mindanao,” De Guzman concluded.

Phoenix Petroleum has had notable achievements in its short existence.

From a simple family venture, Phoenix Petroleum 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.