- Davao fuel companies assure adequate buffer fuel supply through April
PETROLEUM companies operating in Davao assured lawmakers during the 13th regular session on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, that the buffer fuel stocks for Davao City will last through April and until May, with no end in sight for the Middle East conflict.
Representatives from Petron, Insular Oil, MyGas Petroleum, Chevron Philippines, and Phoenix Petroleum appeared before the City Council to discuss the current status of fuel supply.
During its 12th regular session last March 24, Lawmakers passed a resolution inviting oil industry players to shed light on the weekly pricing adjustment basis of gasoline stations, which have significantly impacted the price of goods.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz said while the global market influences fuel prices, the local government is responsible for evaluating how these changes are translated at the local level.
Albert Cudal of Insular Oil said it currently maintains a 30-day supply cover, with replenishment expected by the middle of April.
“That’s giving reassurance to the public that we have a good supply,” Cudal stressed.
Insular Oil, an importer of finished petroleum products in Davao, shared that it brings in about 30 million liters monthly from refineries across Asia.
Their shipments are delivered directly to Davao depots without passing through Manila, maintaining coordination with regulatory agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs.
A representative from Mygas Petroleum Corp has about 20 to 22 days of supply, but remains dependent on supplier pricing as it is not an importer.
“We are not importers so we are very much dependent on the prices that our suppliers are giving us,” the representative said.
Catalimo Ramos, terminal manager of Chevron Philippines (Sasa Depot), which operates Caltex, said that their gasoline supply is secured until April 30. Diesel stocks are expected to last until the fourth week of May, with incoming replenishment next week to extend availability.
Meanwhile, John Manuel Diosana of Phoenix Sasa said they maintain a 30-day buffer, replenished monthly through local purchases.
Despite this, lawmakers were dissatisfied with the responses, particularly on the issue of pricing and specific components, along with strategic plans during emergencies.
Ortiz moved to proceed with a joint committee hearing for another round of discussions scheduled after the Holy week, where officials will expect more comprehensive explanations from oil companies regarding pricing structures and consumer impact.
“It seems that the specific topic that we would have wanted to ask from them, they cannot give us exact answers because they are just representatives and not involved in price-setting,” Ortiz told reporters in a sideline interview during the session.
