Cebu-based fuel firm allots P210 million for expansion

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu-based Top Line Business Development Corporation (Topline) is spending approximately P210 million to fund the construction of seven additional Light Fuels service stations and two Light Fuels Express service stations within Cebu Province and Metro Cebu.

“We only inaugurated last year our first service station under the Light Fuels brand, but 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,” said Erik Lim, Topline Chairman, President and chief operating officer (CEO).

With an 8.94 percent year-on-year increase in the number of registered new and renewed vehicles in Central Visayas based on the latest data from the Land and Transportation Office, Topline aims to seize the growing demand to be top-of-the-line in the retail fuel market with its state-of-the-art fuel stations.

“The retail fuel’s total project annual volume for the 9 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 fuel service stations are operated by its subsidiary, Light Fuels Corporation, and are expected to be all operational within the year.

The Company inaugurated its first service station in February 2023 in Mandaue City, Cebu.

According to Lim, the Light Fuels service station will incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as RFID payment processing, to ensure customers a quick and efficient fueling experience.

Its major service stations are designed to embrace change and new power trends by including ready electric vehicle charging kit options. Moreover, the premises offer commercial opportunities for tenants seeking leasing options, adding a dynamic dimension to the space.

Recognizing that 68 percent of vehicles in Region VII are motorcycles based on LTO-VII’s records, Light Fuels Express stations are designed to cater primarily to motorcycles, scooters, and all two-wheeled and light vehicles.

Topline Logistics and Development Corp., another Topline subsidiary, will supply and distribute liquid fuel to Light Fuels service stations as part of Topline’s synergy strategy through vertical integration to optimize costs and mitigate supply chain risks.

Top Line Business Development Corp. is a Cebu-based company active in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and retail fuel in the Visayas region.

It has two subsidiaries—the Topline Logistics and Development Corp., envisioned to import, trade, distribute, and market petroleum-based products, and the Light Fuels Corporation, engaged in the fuel retail sector.