Total expands network outside Luzon

Total (Philippines) Corp. (TPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total SA, the world’s fourth largest oil and gas company, has expanded its service station network outside Luzon.

Gary Jones, Total’s senior vice president for refining and marketing Asia and chairman of TPC, said they have now set up operations in the province of Panay, the company’s first retail venture outside Luzon.

Jones said TPC has partnered with Santos Petroleum Corp. (SPC) for the conversion of at least five dealer-owned and dealer-operated (DODO) service stations, with an initial investment of P22 million.

The partnership, Jones said, makes TPC the exclusive supplier of fuels for SPC. A local oil player with over 40 years experience, SPC is also a dealer of Total lubricants.

Three TPC service stations are now open in Tagbac, Jaro; Cabatuan, Iloilo and San Jose, Antique, with at least two more stations targeted for completion within the year.

Jones said the inauguration of TPC service stations in the Visayas is proof of the company’s continued commitment in the Philippine market.

The opening of the three stations in Panay brings the TPC network to 84 service stations, composed of 48 DODO and 33 company-owned and dealer-operated (CODO) stations.

TPC president and managing director Anna Whitehouse said within the year, they plan to open 15 more stations nationwide.

"I am confident that we will be able to inaugurate our 100th service station by the time we celebrate our 10th anniversary next year and continue our commitment to offer consumers a better alternative, a better choice in terms of quality products, safe and clean facilities, and efficient and friendly service," she said.

With over $80M worth of investments in the Philippines, Total is the only international oil company since the oil industry deregulation to become involved in all aspects of oil distribution, with fuels, lubricants, LPG, special fluids and other products, including chemicals.

Established in August 1997, TPC has increased its Philippine market share to four percent in fuels, four percent in lubricants and eight percent in LPG.