Fuel companies assure steady supply of fuel

MANILA: The oil industry is one of the sectors granted government exemption from the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Amid the current situation, Petron Corporation has completely initiated its business continuity plan. This is in consideration of possible circumstances that could happen during the Covid-19 crisis.

Petron also ensured private vehicle owners of a steady supply of petroleum products as the country continues to implement precautionary measures to contain the pandemic.

Petron CEO and president Ramon S. Ang stated that the company would also ensure that there is sufficient fuel for significant industries to maintain economic operations.

Ang further explained that people in the whole supply chain are doing their best to make sure that there are sufficient petroleum products. The production of petroleum products and other operations in refineries will proceed. Vessels and terminals are always filled for tank truck operations to maintain consistency.

Petron is also working double time to keep key stations filled and open. Also, the company is doing its best to make the well-being and safety of employees the main priority.

Petron is the biggest refiner in the Philippines. It provides about 30% of the nation's petroleum requirements through its 2,400 stations nationwide, 30 terminals, and 180,000 barrel-per-day Bataan refinery.

Ang reiterated that consumers should not panic since Petron is doing its best to cope with the situation. He also added that during this critical period, the company assures that consumers will receive their necessities and that frontliners will be able to get to their workplaces in no time.

He also pointed out that they will prioritize the safety and health of their employees. In line with this, Petron implemented a work-from-home arrangement specifically for the company's Luzon-based offices.

The necessary protocols have been implemented for frontliners, particularly the helpers, tank truck drivers, service station staff, and office-based workforce. This is to guarantee their safety and healthy while working.

Meanwhile, Shell stations in the country will continue with its operations as well. All its service stations will remain open, and a constant supply of fuel will also be provided for its consumers amid the Covid-19 community quarantine.

The facilities and staff of Shell in all its stations are implementing strict measures to make sure that customers are safe. This is through self-sanitation of front liners and readily available running water, soap, and hand sanitizers for them. Frequent disinfection and sanitation of door handles and other surfaces are also done to ensure the safety of customers.

There is a limited supply of sanitation and personal hygiene products, but Shell ensures to maintain enough stocks of these products in all stores nationwide.

Seaoil, one of the independent fuel companies in the Philippines, is also one with the government in combating Covid-19 to reduce its impact on the lives of its consumers. The company allotted a P10 million budget in free fuel along with discounts to support and aid front liners from transport groups, local government units (LGUs), and hospitals. It has also kept all of its offices open amid the Luzon-wide quarantine.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons