The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured continued fuel deliveries to Samar and surrounding regions despite new logistical challenges posed by a 3-metric ton (MT) weight restriction on the San Juanico Bridge, a critical link between Leyte and Samar. The restriction effectively prevents standard fuel tankers—typically weighing 19–20 MT—from using the bridge, prompting a major shift in fuel logistics.
To address the situation, the DOE, in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Transportation, and private sector stakeholders, is rerouting fuel deliveries via roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels. Oil tankers are now prioritized in RORO loading queues, and port facilities in Basey, Samar are being prepared to handle these redirected shipments.
Fuel tankers will begin transferring from Ormoc to the Ports of Maginoo and Calbayog on May 29, with coordination facilitated by the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense-Eastern Visayas. Additionally, Insular Oil Corp. has agreed to support storage and distribution from its Northern Samar depot, increasing regional supply resilience.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that uninterrupted fuel access is essential for public transport, economic continuity, and disaster response. The agency continues to convene stakeholders to optimize delivery schedules, upgrade port infrastructure, and sustain secure fuel supply chains in the face of evolving logistical constraints.
