PTT intensifies use of mobile labs for product quality tests

MANILA, Philippines - PTT Philippines Corp. (PTTPC), the local subsidiary of Thailand’s biggest oil company, has intensified the use of mobile laboratories in stations to improve the quality testing of its petroleum products.

In a press briefing, PTTPC president and chief executive officer Wisarn Chawalitanon said through the mobile laboratory, PTT would be able to conduct routine quality testing of its petroleum products.

The aim is to ensure compliance with the Philippine National Standards and Regulations.

“This is also one way of protecting our consumers and ensuring that quality productions are delivered to them. We want PTT consumers to get what they paid for with quality products,” Chawalitanon said.

A PTT mobile laboratory is used in quality testing of petroleum products using critical parameters such as detection of contaminants. Furthermore, mobile laboratories have the capability to test the ethanol content for gasoline products and coco methyl ester (CME) for diesel.  These laboratories can also detect water contact in petroleum products.

“Our inspection covers all PTT retail stations and we conduct it randomly,” Chawalitanon said.

With PTT’s planned expansion beginning next year, he said they would commission another mobile laboratory unit with the same capability. PTT also plans to expand the laboratory’s testing capability.

Chawalitanon said would ensure quality products for PTT customers.

“Product quality is our priority. We are always looking for ways to make sure that what we produce for our customers are of best quality,” he said.

 PTTPC is on an expansion mode. It earlier announced it is setting aside P2.1 billion to fund its expansion projects in the next five years.

The five-year investment plan involves opening of 75 new service stations, including some premier stations patterned after the design specifications and standards of its mother company, PTT Thailand.

The investment would also include renovation of existing service stations, additional depots and storage facilities, and setting up of coffee shops and convenience stores.