Independent fuel players are getting a new gateway into Luzon’s petroleum market with the opening of Lemery Oil Terminal Corp.’s PHP 2-billion storage facility in Batangas.

The terminal, located inside the newly launched Sinisian Lemery Batangas Port & Industrial Park, can store up to 181 million liters of imported fuel across 22 steel tanks. It is one of the largest privately operated oil depots in Southern Luzon.

The project is intended to ease bottlenecks in Metro Manila and nearby ports while cutting logistics costs for smaller firms that lack their own depots. The facility currently serves Unioil and Insular Oil but is now open to additional locators.

“Our terminal is open to all independent fuel players who need long-term storage and reliable access to the Philippine market. We want to help new entrants grow their operation and serve more areas,” said Vice President Joseph V. Rejuso.

The complex is equipped to handle automotive diesel, motor gasoline, fuel ethanol, and coco methyl ester used in biodiesel blends. By catering to both conventional and cleaner fuels, the company said it aims to align with government efforts toward energy transition.

“With fuel prices remaining high and demand continuing to grow, we hope to play a key role in ensuring supply stability and expanding market access for a more diverse range of fuel providers,” President Ferdinand Co said.

Industry observers note that third-party access to facilities such as Lemery’s could encourage broader competition in the downstream oil sector, which remains heavily concentrated.

Do you see this move making it easier for independent importers to challenge the dominance of bigger fuel players?

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