The Manila Times
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is stepping on the gas to keep the country’s fuel lifeline flowing, rolling out aggressive measures to fast-track petroleum imports while maintaining round-the-clock monitoring across all ports. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno issued Office of the Commissioner Memorandum 36-2006 over the weekend, directing all ports to give fuel shipments top priority. The order mandates faster unloading, streamlined customs clearance, zero tolerance for delays, tighter interagency coordination, and continuous oversight — ensuring critical fuel cargo moves from ship to shore without a hitch. “Ensuring the timely release of petroleum products is critical to keep the country moving. That is why we are making sure petroleum shipments are processed without delay and closely monitored at all times. Our goal is simple — to keep supply steady and ensure that no disruption reaches our industries or our communities,” Nepomuceno said. Nepomuceno gave assurances that safeguards are in place to ensure that every drop of fuel entering the country is properly taxed. He said the Fuel Marking Program ensures petroleum products are authenticated at the depot level, quality and tax compliance are verified, and any irregular shipment is immediately flagged. At sea, the bureau’s vessel tracking system keeps tankers under constant watch even before they reach Philippine waters. This allows authorities to monitor routes, anticipate arrivals, and conduct immediate inspections — closing gaps from offshore transit to final discharge. According to Nepomuceno, the bureau is also working with the Department of Energy (DOE) for real-time monitoring of fuel shipments and depot inventories across the country. Nepomuceno pointed out that petroleum imports generate roughly P200 billion annually in revenues, making them a critical pillar of government collections. Efficient processing and tight regulation are not just operational priorities but also economic imperatives. In San Fernando, La Union, the BOC cleared the arrival of 9.4 million liters of diesel for PNOC at Seaoil Bangar Terminal, the largest oil import hub in Region I. The shipment, part of the Department of Energy’s Strategic Fuel Reserve program, was processed and discharged at speed following tight coordination and pre-clearance checks, reinforcing fuel stability across Luzon. Meanwhile, in Limay, Bataan, customs teams prioritized the handling of major crude oil delivered by the Sara Sky. The vessel, loaded with over 100,000 barrels of ESPO Blend crude from Russia, was swiftly cleared and unloaded at the Petron Bataan Refinery, ensuring immediate integration into the country’s fuel supply chain. Nepomuceno commended the two ports for their timely action. “I commend the Port of San Fernando, La Union, and the Port of Limay for their quick and efficient handling of these priority fuel shipments from Russia and Japan. Their swift action and coordination ensured that essential petroleum products were released without delay.”
Go to News Site