42 fuel tankers, 19 LPG tankers arrive in Bicol to address storm-induced shortages

A convoy of 42 fuel tankers carrying approximately one million liters of gasoline and diesel, along with 19 LPG tankers transporting around 22,000 cylinders, arrived in the Bicol region on Tuesday to address critical fuel shortages following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The delivery aims to replenish supplies across Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Masbate, supporting emergency response operations and economic activities disrupted by severe flooding.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella assured Bicolanos that his agency is working closely with oil companies like Petron and Shell to replenish non-operational pump stations in the region.

The Department of Energy's Task Force on Energy Resiliency has facilitated this strategic delivery through the 'Fuel Caravan' initiative, ensuring sufficient fuel supply for emergency services.

Each tanker can fuel up to 25,000 units of ambulances and LPG cylinders can supply 22,000 households for about two to three weeks, enhancing emergency response during recovery efforts.

As of Tuesday morning, a total of 180 out of 236 retail outlets in the region are operational, with the DoE coordinating with oil companies to facilitate the immediate replenishment of stocks at the remaining non-operational outlets.