Bohol — The aviation and economic landscape of Central Visayas is set for a massive upgrade as energy giant Petron Corporation clinches the exclusive contract to develop a state-of-the-art fuel farm at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). Selected by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. (ABAC) following a rigorous competitive bidding process, the P340-million infrastructure undertaking will deliver a robust, high-capacity fuel depot designed to seamlessly accommodate surging domestic and international flight operations. Scheduled for full completion by the third quarter of 2027, the strategic project reinforces the island's rising status as a premier global tourism gateway.
Boosting Supply Resilience with High-Capacity Storage Tanks
Under the terms of the landmark agreement, Petron will hold exclusive rights to construct and manage the on-site fuel depot, featuring three 477-kiloliter storage tanks engineered to strict international safety protocols. ABAC General Manager Aldwin Uy noted that BPIA currently consumes roughly 102 kiloliters of aviation fuel daily, split between domestic and international routes, making a permanent on-site supply depot an operational necessity. Once fully commissioned in compliance with global Joint Inspection Group standards, the new facility will maintain at least five days' worth of fuel reserve, effectively insulating airline operations from supply chain vulnerabilities.
Fostering an Open-Access Environment and Fair Market Rates
To protect airline partners and maintain competitive pricing, the newly established facility will operate under a strictly regulated, open-access framework managed directly by the airport operator. This protective regulatory design prevents supplier discrimination and ensures that other qualified fuel providers can access the infrastructure should the regional market expand further. Drawing from its extensive operational experience running similar fuel farms at major hubs like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Petron brings world-class technical expertise to guarantee a secure and efficient supply chain.
Strengthening Regional Tourism Growth and Economic Momentum
The rollout of this vital aviation infrastructure arrives at an ideal time as Bohol aggressively works to expand its tourism connectivity following recent passenger surges across Central Visayas. By eliminating logistical bottlenecks and guaranteeing reliable aircraft refueling on-island, BPIA can more confidently attract long-haul international carriers and increase flight frequencies. As dedicated project teams break ground and keep construction timelines on track, this collaboration between Aboitiz InfraCapital and Petron highlights a shared commitment to world-class regional development.
