Topline pumps P210 million to put up 9 fuel stations

MANILA, Philippines — Top Line Business Development Corp., a Cebu-based fuel retailer, is spending some P210 million to bankroll the construction of an additional nine fuel stations in the province.

The company, which last year launched its first service station under the Light Fuels brand, is building seven new service stations and two express stations in Cebu province and Metro Cebu.

“We are continuing to expand our footprint in the retail fuel market as we chart our company’s growth to meet the growing demand in Central Visayas,” Topline chairman, president and CEO Erik Lim said in a statement.

Citing the increasing number of registered new and renewed vehicles in Central Visayas, he said they want to capitalize on this to become a leading player in the region’s retail fuel market.

“The retail fuel’s total project annual volume for the nine service stations is approximately 12 million to 12.5 million liters. With more liquid fuel supply in the market, we aim to contribute to the region’s fuel security, especially amid supply risks,” Lim added.

The new fuel service stations, expected to be operational within the year, will be operated by  subsidiary Light Fuels Corp.

Another subsidiary, Topline Logistics and Development Corp., will supply and distribute liquid fuel to the service stations in line with efforts to optimize costs and mitigate supply chain risks, the company noted.

A cutting-edge technology, Topline said, will be incorporated in the service stations to ensure a quick and efficient transaction, particularly in payment processing, for customers.

Designed to embrace new power trends, the major service stations will also include ready-to-use options for electric vehicle charging kits.

Meanwhile, the Light Fuels Express stations are mainly intended for motorcycles, scooters and all two-wheeled light vehicles.

In February last year, Topline inaugurated its first service station in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Apart from its retail fuel business, the company is also engaged in commercial fuel trading and depot operations through its subsidiaries.