DOE Offers Credit Assistance for Petroleum Retail

Roxas City, Capiz – Qualified applicants in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) loan program can borrow up to a maximum of P10,000,000.00 amount to start up a legitimate petroleum retail.

“This is open to all even to “bote – bote” retailers,” said DOE – Visayas Field Office Energy Industry Management Division Supervisor Engr. Rey C. Maleza during an information campaign on Downstream Oil Industry here.

“Bote-bote” refers to vending of liquid fuels in containers like soda bottles, plastic bottles, jugs and other similar portable containers which are strictly prohibited under DOE’s Retail Rules embodied in the agency’s Department Circular No. DC2003 – 11-010.

Maleza added that the applicant must undergo a three-day seminar at the DOE Central Office on the establishment, management, maintenance and operation of a gasoline station as among the requirements to avail the loan.

However, the seminar can be conducted on-site by the DOE if a minimum of 25 interested participants will confirm attendance at an agreed date and venue.

A corresponding fee will be charged to the participants.

The gasoline station to be established out of the credit assistance must not be named after the key players of liquid fuel retail outlets to encourage competition.

The DOE personnel are recently in the province to conduct information campaign on Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) that highlighted on presentations about Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry rules, regulatory framework and updates, and Rules and Regulations Governing the Business of Retailing Liquid Petroleum Products.

Reminders on the proper handling of LPG as well as the dangers posed by LPG – refilled tin canisters were also discussed during the activity. (JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)