Cusi assures supply of fuel products

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi assured the public of continued supply of fuel products amid the 30-day community quarantine in Metro Manila.

“During this most challenging time, it is imperative to ensure the continued supply of fuel products, especially in areas under quarantine. Having sufficient petroleum supply is vital, making it a critical concern amid this crisis. The entire energy family is working 24/7 to make sure that energy services remain unimpeded,” Cusi said. 

The government imposed a 30-day community quarantine in Metro Manila as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

As of Feb. 29, the agency’s assessment of the country’s oil inventory showed that there is an estimated 2.7 billion liters of crude and oil products available, translating to about 45 days of fuel supply.

This indicates that inventory is well supplied for the one-month quarantine period in NCR. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) said the 45-day’s worth of fuel supply is also above the minimum inventory requirement being observed by the oil industry which is 30 days.

The DOE said it is closely coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure the unhindered entry of fuel supply to affected retail outlets.

In addition, it has already requested oil companies to submit a status report on depots supplying Metro Manila.

The agency also encouraged oil companies to report any issues on domestic distribution as well as any act of hoarding.

On Saturday, Cusi signed a memorandum ensuring the unimpeded delivery of electricity, fuel and petroleum products to Metro Manila.

The energy chief ordered unrestricted importation and domestic transportation of fuel such as diesel, fuel oil, natural gas, coal, and lubricants. The same goes for spare parts needed to build, operate, and maintain energy infrastructure including energy exploration, development, generation, transmission, distribution and energy retail.

The memorandum also covered the free movement of energy personnel to make sure energy services are delivered.

However, all energy-related foreign service providers arriving from restricted countries should comply with government-imposed health precautions such as presenting a medical certificate and undergoing a 14-day quarantine.

Meanwhile, the DOE will extend permits of power-related facilities by 60 days for their continued operations.

“The extension of permits necessary to operate and maintain generation, transmission, and distribution facilities for areas imposed with community quarantine until 60 days after the end of the government-imposed quarantine period shall automatically be granted, unless the LGU or the agency involved in the processing of renewal applications allows for an online submission and a definite timeline that ensures the unimpeded provision of energy services,” it said.