^{Photo credit: PNOC}

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has taken delivery of 21,000 metric tons (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of government efforts to strengthen emergency fuel supply and stabilize domestic energy availability.

The shipment arrived on May 30 at the CISC Industrial Park for storage at the South Pacific Inc. (SPI) terminal in Brgy. Salong, Calaca, Batangas, marking a key logistical milestone under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) emergency energy security framework.

The cargo—comprising 50% refrigerated propane and 50% refrigerated butane—was sourced from Enterprise Port in Texas, United States, and procured through Trafigura Pte. Ltd. on 13 April 2026.

“The delivery of PNOC-procured LPG demonstrates the concrete actions being undertaken by the DOE and PNOC to strengthen the country’s fuel reserves, support supply stability, and help ensure the continuous availability of LPG during the ongoing national energy emergency,” said PNOC Senior Vice President Atty. Graciela M. Barleta, who led the LPG procurement initiative.

DOE said the state-led procurement forms part of its Emergency Energy Security Program, which tasked PNOC with securing LPG reserves while its exploration arm handles diesel procurement.

PNOC said the intervention is designed strictly as a contingency mechanism and not a market-competing activity, with the company emphasizing its role in maintaining system stability and supporting supply adequacy during periods of stress.

On April 24, PNOC implemented a Notice of Product Availability process to facilitate controlled release of inventory to qualified downstream partners, aimed at ensuring efficient distribution of the state-secured volumes.

The company added that the additional 21,000 MT will help reinforce national inventory levels and provide a buffer against potential supply disruptions in key demand centers, particularly during periods of heightened demand or import volatility.

How significant is state-led LPG procurement in stabilizing the Philippines’ fuel security framework, and should this model be expanded to other fuels beyond LPG?

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