Topline Announces P210M Expansion for Light Fuels Stations in Cebu

Cebu-based Topline Business Development Corp. (Topline) is set to expand its fuels business, announcing a P210 million investment to establish nine additional fuel stations. The expansion, handled by its subsidiary Light Fuels Corp. (LFC), aims to open these new branches following the launch of its first station in Mandaue City in 2023.

In a recent media roundtable, Topline President Eugene Erik Lim outlined the company’s strategy to build a mix of flagship and express stations, with costs ranging from P10 million to P15 million per station. The express stations will primarily serve two-wheeled and light four-wheeled vehicles, targeting a niche market within Central Visayas where 68% of vehicles are motorcycles.

“We’re focusing on smaller stations catering to motorcycles and light vehicles,” Lim said, noting the plan to open two stations by August. “The larger stations require more investment due to higher property acquisition and rental costs.”

Lim expressed aspirations for further expansion beyond Cebu, potentially extending into other parts of the Visayas and eventually outside the region. However, he emphasized a cautious approach, ensuring robust systems and processes are in place before rapid expansion.

“We’re taking baby steps, ensuring our base is solid before considering broader expansion,” he added.

The logistics and supply chain for Light Fuels stations will be managed by another Topline subsidiary, Topline Logistics and Development Corp., which specializes in the importation, trading, distribution, and marketing of liquid fuel and other petroleum-based products. Lim highlighted that logistics operations would need to grow in tandem with the new fuel stations.

“We need to expand logistics along with the stations to maintain efficiency and reliability,” he said. “Rapid expansion without a solid base could lead to issues, so we’re ensuring everything is well-structured.”

Topline’s diverse business portfolio includes port operations (Pier Eighty-Eight Ventures Inc.), real estate (Topline Properties and Development Corp.), clean technology (Topline Energy and Power Development Corp.), port and ferry terminal operations (Topline Marine Wharf Development Corp.), technology research (Topline Hi Tech and Synergy Corp.), and restaurant and manpower services (Topline Services and Development Corp.).