By Chris V. Panganiban
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Fuel stations across Agusan del Sur are experiencing intermittent shortages, with delays in tanker deliveries forcing some outlets to temporarily close, local business owners said.
Wilmar Sabana, owner of Supreme Fuel Station in San Francisco, said her station currently has stock, but supply delays are already affecting other municipalities. “Some stations remain closed until their tankers arrive because fuel allocation is slow. Once the tanker comes, they reopen, but supply remains inconsistent,” Sabana said.
Fuel prices in San Francisco vary among stations, with major distributors generally charging higher rates. A local Shell station sells diesel at ₱114 per liter and gasoline at ₱106 per liter, while Caltex charges ₱107 per liter for diesel and ₱86 per liter for gasoline. Petron offers diesel at ₱105 per liter and gasoline at ₱80.60 per liter.
Independent stations, meanwhile, offer slightly lower prices. Supreme Fuel sells diesel at ₱104 per liter and gasoline at ₱89 per liter, while JetPet charges ₱105 per liter for diesel and ₱80 per liter for gasoline. HKAK Gas Station, which no longer sells diesel, offers gasoline at ₱82 per liter, the lowest in the area.
The Department of Energy (DOE) had earlier reported no issues with fuel availability. However, recent updates indicate that the national fuel reserve could last only 38 more days if replenishment does not arrive, raising concerns over continuity of supply.
Sabana also noted that in nearby Bayugan City, stations such as Bringas Gas Station occasionally close when tanker deliveries are delayed, reopening only when shipments arrive.
The situation highlights the province’s heavy reliance on timely tanker deliveries and depot allocations, with potential impacts on motorists, businesses, and essential services if delays persist.
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