Petron fully resumes operations in Odette-hit areas

A month after Typhoon Odette slammed Visayas and Mindanao, Petron Corporation said it has fully resumed operations of its terminals and stations in the said areas.

In a statement released on Monday, the company said that their on-ground teams worked overtime to “fast-track the restoration and re-opening of stations that had to close down to undergo damage assessment and repair.”

While Petron is still working on repairing stations in Bohol, Cebu, and Siargao Island, most of its stations remain operational despite power outages. Many electric cooperatives in the said islands have restored power to less than half of customers in their respective franchise areas.

“Petron had earlier assured the public of building up its product inventory to accommodate the high demand for fuel, especially from government agencies crucial in recovery and clearing efforts, as well as hospitals, power plants, airports, water facilities, among others,” the oil giant said in a statement.

The company has also deployed more tank trucks to speed up the delivery process and meet the growing demands in typhoon-hit areas. It also secured alternative source plants to ensure uninterrupted fuel replenishment. 

Fuel stockpiles in general dwindled in the affected areas following the storm’s passing, which have hampered rescue, relief, and restoration efforts. The Department of Energy had also confirmed reports of overpricing by some gas stations, though did not mention what oil firms were involved.

Last week, Petron announced plans to offer senior notes to raise funds for its 184-megawatt power plant project inside its refinery in Limay, Bataan.

Photo from Petron website.