Is this an exciting time to be in the oil and fuel business? Petroleum, indeed, is an essential commodity that does not depend on the conditions of the economy; that is, we use and consume oil whether the economy is up or down.
In the previous article, we’ve shown you the business opportunities available from the country’s biggest oil players, known as the Big 3. Here we’ll explore the alternative opportunities offered by the independent oil companies or the so-called small players.
Anyone who is serious about becoming a distributor or retailer of petroleum products should consider the various opportunities from all parties, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages before finally embarking on this business venture.
Option #1: Seaoil Franchise
Seaoil is considered as the leader among independent oil companies in the Philippines. In 1980, it opened its first petrol depot facility in Mandaluyong serving local as well as multi-national companies. Frachising a Seaoil business means you are backed by the company’s more than 30 years of experience in the oil business.
Seaoil Franchise Investment:
- Franchise Fee : P 500,000.00
- Estimated Capital: P 3,000,000.00
The company also offers a customized franchise package. You can choose to franchise an existing station or start a new one. The minimum recommend lot area for the gas station is 800 sq m.
For details, please visit the Seaoil website at http://www.seaoil.com.ph.
Option #2: Phoenix Petroleum Franchise
The Phoenix Petroleum has its humble beginning as a family business in Davao in the year 2002. Originally it carried the name Davao Oil Terminal Services Corporation and in 2006 changed its name to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. A year later, it became the first independent oil company to be listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Phoenix offers franchising opportunity for those who want to become retailers of petroleum products and carry their brand. Phoenix requires from the franchisee a minimum of 800 sqm lot with at least 25 meter frontage for the site of a gas station. Aside from the usual business support common with other franchisors, what’s nice about the franchise concept of Phoenix is its flexibility. That means you can attach other businesses with your petroleum franchise provided it passed the approval of Phoenix.
The estimated capital outlay for a Phoenix station is 3M. It already includes the franchise fee, construction cost, equipment deposits and initial stock.
To know more about the company and the franchise opportunity they are offering, please visit their website at phoenixphilippines.com.
Option #3: Unioil Franchise
The company made its presence felt in 1992 when it opened its first gas station along the Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Parañaque. In 2003, it opened its door in Mindanao when they set up their first gas station outside of Manila.
Interested Unioil petroleum distributors should prepare somewhere from P 500,000 to P 1 million in capital. The company boasts of its estimated return on capital in as fast as one and a half to two years.
To know more about Unioil and their business opportunities, visit them at http://www.unioil.com.
Option #4: Eastern Petroleum Franchise
Finally, one other oil company that we want you to take notice of is the Eastern Petroleum. It was founded in 1996 by Fernando L. Martinez. The following year, it opened its first petrol station in Pasig City. In 2004, it already reached the Mindanao area by having their gas stations in Gen San and Davao.
Prospective franchisees can avail one of the following setups with their respective estimate investment requirements:
- Basic Station (1 or 2 Islands and 2 pumps) — Investment starts at P2 Million
- Regular Station (2 Islands and 3 to 4 pumps) — Investment starts at P5 Million
- Large Station (3 Islands and at least 5 pumps) — Investment starts at P8 Million
Eastern Petroleum is very strict when selecting their sites. At bare minimum, your site should be at least 400 sqm in area with a frontage of 25 meters. Site must be in rectangular, square or L-shape. Furthermore, it must be at least 10 meters away from any creek.
Get to know more about the company by visiting their website at http://www.easternpetroleum.com.ph.