Shell, Mobil assures sufficient fuel

There is sufficient fuel to meet the needs of Saipan, according to Mobil Oil Marianas Islands, Inc. and Mobil Oil Guam Inc. president Charles Ewart.

Responding to rumors of possible fuel shortage, Ewart clarified with Saipan Tribune yesterday that based on typical demand at Mobil service stations, “we have sufficient supplies of gasoline.”

“We can only talk about the supplies that Mobil has. …The shipping container that flew into our terminal during the typhoon had damaged the tank containing Super Unleaded, and that stock for just that grade of gasoline is limited at this time,” Ewart said.

Debris from Typhoon Soudelor damaged one of Mobil’s storage tank at the Port of Saipan, causing thousands of gallons of fuel to spill into a containment bund area around the tank. The tank held about 120,000 gallons of gasoline.

Ewart said their efforts in the last two days were focused on stopping the leakage safely. That has already been done.

“We have plenty of stock for diesel at this time as we hold stock for the power plant, which is currently not operating. We also have sufficient stock of jet fuel for the airplanes,” Ewart said.

“It is not our practice to discuss details of our operations, save to say that those issues have been resolved and we are returning to normal operations at our service stations,” he added.

One site that has yet to start operation due to damage caused by the typhoon is the Mobil station in Chalan Piao.

“We are working to restart as soon as we can. Our tanker is due on Saipan sometime next week. Separately, since last Tuesday, we have had at least one Mobil service station open every day for emergency services,” Ewart said.

Mobil service stations weren’t able to open daytime Sunday, Aug. 9, due to logistics issues that were later resolved that same day, resulting in Mobil opening up four stations in Middle Road, Chalan Kiya, Susupe, and San Vicente from 7pm to midnight.

The same stations also opened yesterday starting at 7am following replenishment of supplies.

IP&E Shell stations

IP&E marketing manager Camille Denight also assured that Shell isn’t “short on fuel.”

In a statement late afternoon yesterday, Shell said that its service stations in Puerto Rico, Gualo Rai, Highway Express, Susupe, and Airport Road will continue to provide V-Power and diesel fuel from 8am to 5pm everyday until further notice.

Shell Koblerville will remain for government official emergency vehicles only.

IP&E Holdings managing director Brian Bamba said that IP&E is working with the Office of the Governor to support the fuel needs of responders and recovery team to bring stability to Saipan and the public.

The limit for purchase of fuel at Shell stations is $50, not $20.

“IP&E’s terminal operations and Shell service station employees have gone beyond the call of duty to service the residents of Saipan during this difficult time. …We want to thank our customers for your patience and understanding and most importantly your support of all of these hardworking individuals,” Bamba said.

“We have made it our responsibility to provide fuel to the island while maintaining the highest standards of safety for our employees, customers, and the environment,” he added.