PETRON CORP. is planning to expand the storage capability of its Limay, Bataan terminal to spice up aviation fuel supply and reduce the danger of shortages amid rising demand for Jet A-1 fuel.
In a filing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Petron proposed increasing the terminal’s capability to 32.79 million liters from 20.75 million liters.
The corporate said demand for Jet A-1 fuel inside the terminal’s service area has grown significantly lately, leaving stock levels at about 3.4 days of supply, below the extent needed to make sure stable and uninterrupted distribution.
“Since the terminal serves as a key distribution hub for Jet A-1 fuel supplied to other terminals and airports, maintaining adequate storage capability is crucial to forestall fuel shortages that would disrupt aviation operations and related economic activities,” Petron said.
The expansion plan includes the installation of additional storage tanks to carry fuel temporarily during maintenance or repair of existing tanks, improving operational flexibility and provide reliability.
Petron also plans to construct an above-ground storage tank for coconut methyl ester (CME), a biofuel derived from coconut oil utilized in diesel mixing requirements.
The corporate said the added biofuel capability would help ensure compliance with government biodiesel mandates while supporting broader goals on renewable energy use, emission reduction and energy security.
“By increasing CME storage capability, the terminal shall be higher able to keep up a consistent supply of biodiesel for mixing, ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting the federal government’s goal of promoting renewable energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy security,” it said.
Petron didn’t disclose the estimated cost of the expansion project.
The Limay terminal sits next to the Bataan Refinery, the country’s only oil refinery, which has a processing capability of 180,000 barrels per day and supplies about 40% of domestic fuel requirements.
Amid global supply risks linked to the Iran war, Petron procured 2.48 million barrels of crude oil from Russia in March as a part of an emergency response to produce chain disruptions.
The corporate said the procurement was made “out of maximum necessity as a rare emergency measure in response to unprecedented geopolitical and provide chain disruptions.”
A public scoping session for the expansion project is scheduled on June 17 as a part of the environmental impact assessment process, letting stakeholders raise concerns and supply input on the proposed development. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera