Total opens 10 new stations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine unit of French oil and gas giant Total S.A. is continuing to strengthen its retail business and presence in the country with new stations opened in Luzon and Visayas.

In a statement, Total (Philippines) Corp. said it opened 10 new stations this year, the latest of which are located in Bongabong station in Oriental Mindoro, Pulungbulu in Pampanga, and Boac 2 in Marinduque.

The retail expansion projects are part of Total’s efforts to bring high-quality and affordable fuel to more Filipinos.

“Our continuous growth is a testimony to our commitment to bring high-quality and affordable fuels to more Filipinos,” Total (Philippines) president and managing director Laurent Stouffe said.

Total, which has been present in the Philippines for 21 years, is upscaling its projects in the downstream oil industry.

To date, it has close to 500 service stations nationwide. Last year, it opened around 50 stations to continue its growth trajectory.

“We are committed to providing products and services that will support the clean energy needs of the Philippines. With the undertaking of our current initiatives and plans for tomorrow’s oil and gas sector, we continue to serve as a responsible energy player,” Stouffe said.

Late last year, the oil firm announced plans to double its retail network to 1,000 in five years by expanding its partnership with dealers through its company-owned and  dealer-operated stations.

Apart from expanding its retail platform, Total is also looking to grow the project portfolio of its renewable energy arm through Total Solar SEA, which was launched this year.

Total partnered with Gaisano Capital to provide solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) rooftops to Gaisano malls in Luzon and Visayas.