Fuel tankers carrying liquid petroleum products (gasoline and diesel) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) began arriving in various areas of the Bicol region late in the afternoon on 28 October 2024. These deliveries, which have been stranded on the road for nearly three days due to impassable areas going to the Bicol region, ensure the region's fuel needs are met, particularly to support emergency response operations and restore access for local consumers.

As of the morning of Tuesday, 29 October 2024, a total of forty-two (42) tankers carrying gasoline and diesel with approximately 1M liters and nineteen (19) tankers of LPG carrying around 22,000 11-kg cylinders have reached several provinces across the Bicol region, including Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Masbate. Currently, 180 out of 236 retail outlets, or about 76 percent, are operational and able to supply fuel, providing essential resources to communities and responders as they continue with recovery efforts and daily operations.

On the LPG supply, it is noted that these 22,000 cylinders which can supply 22,000 households will last for about 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, the 1M liters of petroleum products are sufficient to fuel around 25,000 units of ambulances. The DOE has also coordinated with oil companies to facilitate the immediate replenishment of stocks at the remaining fifty-six (56) outlets that are currently non-operational.

“We assure the Bicolanos that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the oil companies of our strategic action in addressing their needs in the region. We are working tirelessly to expedite the replenishment process and ensure that fuel tankers can deliver additional supplies without delay to keep communities and emergency response operations running smoothly,” said Undersecretary and Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) Chairperson Felix William B. Fuentebella.

The DOE, through its Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER), extends its gratitude to the oil companies for their swift action and invaluable cooperation. The DOE also appreciates the coordinated efforts on the ground by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) for managing the logistical challenges of transporting these essential products.

“We are deeply grateful to the OCD for establishing the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) lane, which has been crucial for our 'Fuel Caravan' operations. This designated route, secured by the PNP-HPG, has enabled the delivery of replenishment supplies to the hardest-hit areas. Their initiative is a vital part of our collective effort to ensure that essential resources reach the communities in need,” said Undersecretary Fuentebella.

Additionally, the OCD has granted the use of available ports in the region exclusively for relief operations and fuel supply replenishment, facilitating continuous delivery of fuel and LPG supplies. The TFER remains committed to supporting these efforts until normal fuel supply and operations are fully restored in the affected communities.

The DOE has deployed five teams from its Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) to the Bicol region to ensure that fuel supplies are properly replenished and to prevent any instances of overpricing. The DOE also urges the public to report any suspicious price increases, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding consumer welfare, especially during times of heightened need.

In preparation for Severe Tropical Storm Leon, the DOE has also directed the energy stakeholders to implement preemptive measures to ensure resilience and continuity of services. Oil companies are instructed to replenish fuel supplies at service stations, particularly in vulnerable and high-demand areas, to secure adequate resources for emergency response and community needs. Generation companies are urged to reinforce infrastructure and secure critical assets to minimize disruptions, while distribution utilities are ready with their response teams for swift restoration efforts. The DOE emphasizes the importance of coordination with local disaster risk management offices to ensure an efficient and safe energy supply response during and after the storm. ###