Pilipinas Shell inks deal with Northern Star to expand its Ilocos Region market

Oil giant Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. has sealed a partnership with Northern Star Energy Corp. to expand its market in the Ilocos Region.

The deal allows Shell to transform Northern Star’s existing sites in Region 1 into Shell-branded mobility stations.

“This partnership will allow us to reach more customers and communities in La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, and Mountain Province, in line with our commitment to serve the growing and evolving energy needs of every motoring customer and pedestrians alike,” said Pilipinas Shell vice president for mobility Randy del Valle.

Aside from fuel retail, Shell's mobility stations offer a wide range of products and services, including full vehicle servicing, retail, lifestyle, and food offerings tailored to each local market.

The partnership will add 100 sites to Pilipinas Shell’s nationwide portfolio throughout the expected life of the deal.

“This investment is an important step in accelerating Pilipinas Shell’s growth ambition of 1,300 – 1,400 sites by 2025. With La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra and Mountain Province being one of the largest transport areas in the country, the partnership is expected to significantly increase both fuel and non-fuel revenues for Pilipinas Shell. It also enables us to provide more employment opportunities for the local communities in these areas,” said del Valle.

The mobility sites will support the increasing travel and economic activity in Baguio City, Sagada, Banaue, La Union, Pagudpud and other tourist hotspots in the region, according to Pilipinas Shell.

The company said the growth of its mobility business would be adequately supported by the Subic import terminal, with a 54-million liter storage capacity.

Pilipinas Shell said it would work together with Northern Star for the seamless integration of operational practices in alignment with Shell standards.

Del Valle said Pilipinas Shell is looking forward to applying Northern Star’s strong operational excellence and expertise as demonstrated through speedy and consistent site growth and best practices.

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to support the needs of Filipino consumers, with more customer-centric and innovative Mobility stations. We are here to stay and continue to power progress for the nation, just as what we have done so in the last 108 years,” he said. —VBL, GMA News