Fuel caravan reaches storm-hit Bicol amid shortage

LONG WAIT Vehicles line up along Maharlika Highway in Camarines Sur as they wait for the floodwaters to subside, as seen in this drone shot in Milaor town at noon on Sunday. Only heavy vehicles, buses and trucks are allowed to travel on Saturday while light vehicles are still stranded due to floods. —PHOTO COURTESY OF CHINITONG MANLALAKBAY

PILI, Camarines Sur — A convoy of 11 fuel tankers, each carrying around 20,000 liters of fuel, along with seven tankers transporting 180 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, arrived on Monday, Oct. 28, in the Bicol region to address critical fuel shortages after the devastation of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

“This strategic delivery aims to replenish fuel and LPG supplies across Albay and Camarines Sur, supporting emergency response operations and economic activities following severe disruptions,” said Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez in a Viber message to the Inquirer on Tuesday.

The storm led to widespread flooding that rendered major roads impassable, critically affecting fuel availability and forcing most gasoline stations in Albay and Camarines Sur to close.

According to Chavez, the restored fuel supply would enable the mobilization of vehicles for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, rescue teams, and local motorists.

The Department of Energy launched the “Fuel Caravan” initiative to ensure sufficient fuel supply for emergency services.

“Each tanker can fuel up to 400 ambulances, greatly enhancing the region’s emergency response during recovery efforts,” Chavez added. INQ