Chevron set to open 125 Caltex stations

CEBU, Philippines - Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), the company that brings the Caltex energy brand in the country, is poised to further strengthen its name in the fuel distribution and retail sector in the Philippines with the opening of 120 to 125 gasoline stations across the country in the next few years.

This confidence is fueled by the strong grip of the Asia Pacific economy in the world, having the Philippines being strategically located in the region, said CPI communications and government relations manager Tobe Nebrida in a recent press conference.

In Asia Pacific, Caltex is poised to expand to a total of 400 new gasoline stations across the region in the next five years.

In Cebu, Caltex has a total of 33 gas refilling stations, including the newly opened outlets in North Reclamation Area, and in Mactan.

“The energy demand here in Cebu City is surging and with our strong brand, dedicated people and partners, we are well positioned for success,” Nebrida said.

Celebrating its 75th year in the Philippines, Caltex re-assures its customers, government, and other stakeholders of strong and continued support to the growing Philippine economy as it extends commitment to remain the key energy player in the Philippines.

Today, Caltex has a total of 850 gas stations around the country. In the next few years, the company will invest more by spending at least P5 million to 20 million (depending on location and size) in every station it will open.

Roughly, CPI is going to spend a couple of billion pesos for its expansion plans in the Philippines in the coming years.

According to Nebrida the improving confidence of the international investment community for the new set of leaders in the Philippines will brought in more investments that will double the expected economic growth in the country.

Caltex is riding on in this opportunity by formulating its own expansion plans to sustain its leadership in the industry, he said.

To complement its expansion plans, Caltex also unveiled an all-new service station image which is currently rolling out through the Asia Pacific region. In keeping with the “refresh” theme, forecourts are brighter and more contemporary, and the canopy lights are safer and more welcoming at night. The new look started rolling out in the Philippines in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“The changes reflect Caltex’s confidence in our partners. They are designed to increase our efficiency and cement our presence here in the Philippines. Our strategy for Caltex is to aggressively upgrade and expand our network and facilities in growth centers around the country,” he said adding that the company is also looking at opening up another 10 new stations within the year.

CPI was born from the merger of two companies in 1936 when Standard Oil Co., of California (SoCal) with its Middle East oil resources combined with Texas Co (Texaco) which had marketing outlets in Africa, Asia and Australia.

Chevron was one of the first global firms that brought world-class best practices and products to the Philippines.

 In May of 2007, Caltex Power Diesel officially became a biodiesel with the addition of one percent CME (Coconut Methyl Esther) as part of the CPI’s compliance with the Philippine Biodiesel Act of 2006.

CPI markets a range of petroleum products in the Philippines under the Caltex brand name, including motor gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and more than 40 different lubricating oils and greases, to motorists and industrial users. (FREEMAN)