Despite slower mobility and weak economic activities brought about by the new coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) is expanding its distribution network.
PSPC eyes to build an additional 50 to 70 retail stations this year.
The company said it will also step up efforts to come up with renewable energy solutions under its affiliate, Shell Energy Philippines, Inc.
“One of our key priorities is the continuous growth of our retail network. As of end of December 2020, we had over a thousand retail sites nationwide and with the increase in retail sales especially during the last quarter of the year, it is reasonable to expect an additional 50 to 70 sites to open within 2021,” said Cesar Romero, PSPC president and chief executive officer in an online event on Monday.
Romero said the company is also keen on increasing the number of its import capable terminals from the current three in the coming years to support government’s efforts to jumpstart the economy amid the pandemic.
PSPC said this will ensure continuous supply of fuels used for construction, manufacturing, mining and transport sectors aside from bitumen products used for infrastructure.
Romero also noted Shell Group’s operations in the Philippines is pushing for a more diversified portfolio to meet the cleaner energy needs of the country.
“We continue to comply with environmental regulations and standards in all our operations at our stations, terminals and depots. The solar farm facility in Tabangao, which was successfully commissioned in December 2020 has produced over 84,000 kilowatt hours to date. The facility’s 5,220 panels, with a peak capacity of 1.8 megawatts will support 10 percent of the Tabangao import facility’s annual power requirement, which may even reach 45 percent in the summer with the expected peak operation of the solar farm during the sunny months,” Romero said.
Earlier, the Department of Energy said that Shell Energy Philippines is among the number of companies that have submitted applications for a notice to proceed on their proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal projects in the country.
