TACLOBAN CITY-Samar Island faces another critical challenge – ensuring a steady petroleum supply amid stringent restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge. The 3-ton weight limit has effectively barred heavy vehicles, including fuel tankers, from crossing.
Running into the third week of the restrictions, Samar is already feeling the impact of dwindling fuel supply according to Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan.
Current estimates show that most gasoline stations in Samar maintain a maximun storage capacity of up to two weeks, necessitating regular replenishment every 7 to 14 days.
Tan said that the province continues to navigate these challenges through collaboration with government agencies and communities as these are crucial in ensuring the continuous delivery of essential services, fuel products included.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) call to prioritize oil tankers in the roll-on/ roll-off (RoRo) vessel loading queues was recently approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
One of the available routes at the moment is the Ormoc Port in Ormoc City to Maguinoo Port in Calbayog City, Samar. The routes are longer taking at least 12 hours sea travel. However, the port has been experiencing long queues of trucks, buses and heavy vehicles since diverting crossing options to alternative ports.
DOE is in close coordination with the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines (PIP), has targeted fuel tankers to be transported to Samar through the Ormoc Port starting May 29, 2025.
“The DOE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a press statement.
As all petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport, the new weight restriction effectively bars standard fuel takers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load, from crossing the bridge.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon in a recent visit has assured the DOE that the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, the closest link between the two islands with only 30 minutes travel, will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments, further supporting a critical logistical shift.
Continuous fuel supply is essential to sustain transportation, economic activities, and most critically, emergency and disaster response operations.
(ACR/PIA Leyte)
