Opening of expressways to new oil players hailed

The Department of Energy (DOE) has lauded the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) for giving way to companies putting up new gasoline stations and service facilities along the North and South expressways.

A number of companies have filed applications to construct their respective facilities in the area as the PNCC and the major oil companies – Caltex (Phils.), Inc., Petron Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. – have reached an agreement allowing other players to establish, operate and maintain service facilities along tollways.

"The speedy approval of these applications would pave the way for a more aggressive competition in the retail sector of the downstream oil industry. I hope that the Tollways Regulatory Board (TRB) will act swiftly on these petitions," Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez said.

Perez said this will eventually give the travelling public more choices on their fuel purchases and additional service while on the road.

PNCC acting president and chief executive officer Wilfredo Cu said there are already seven applications that have been approved and endorsed by the PNCC to the TRB for final approval. These are Central Country Estate Inc., G-Star Venture and Development Corp., and Siccion Construction Inc. along the North Luzon tollway; and APY Holdings, Inc., Caltex, Pilipinas Shell and Total Petroleum Corp. along the South Luzon tollway.