Unioil

Unioil expands distribution network, allots P150 million

UNIOIL Petroleum Philippines Inc., one of the country’s independent oil players, is considering spending close to P150 million this year to expand market reach.

Unioil president Kenneth Pundanera said in an interview that they have a total of 10 stations up for construction. “Though the expansion program is not finalized yet, we target to add 10 stations to our current more than 40 service stations all over the country,” he added.

Each station, according to Pundanera, could cost around P10 million to put up, so the 10 stations will entail a total of P100 million in investment.

Pundanera said the stations they are building are company owned stations and that they target to complete the 10 projects within the year. “But if we could build 20 stations within the year, then we will do 20 stations,” he said.

While the 10 stations are being built, Pundanera said the other 10 stations are either under negotiations and are still the drawing board.

The Unioil executive also noted that the 10 stations being put up are all focused on Metro Manila to make the brand and stations more visible to motorists.

“And apart from putting up more service stations, we are also upgrading our systems at our oil storage facilities. The modernization or upgrade is expected to cost us at least P40 million or more,” Pundanera said.

To date, Unioil has more than 40 stations and outlets in mainland Luzon. It also operates in Mindanao.

(Paul Anthony A. Isla)