Cebu Fuel Distributor Establishes Singapore Trading Arm for Strategic Growth
In a significant move to bolster its market position, a Cebu-based listed fuel distributor has greenlit the formation of a wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore. This decision, disclosed on February 25, 2026, to the Philippine Stock Exchange, aligns with the company's long-term vertical integration strategy, aiming to streamline operations and enhance competitiveness in the fuel sector.
Enhancing Supply Chain and Import Capabilities
Top Line Business Development Corp. announced that its board has authorized the creation of a Singapore-based trading house. This new entity will function as the international trading arm for fuel importation, directly engaging with global suppliers to optimize sourcing and procurement. The initiative is designed to strengthen supply chain control, improve efficiency, and support the expansion of import activities handled by its logistics unit, Topline Logistics and Development Corp. (TLDC).
Recently, TLDC secured a certificate of registration from the Bureau of Customs, enabling it to undertake fuel importation. The Singapore subsidiary will leverage this capability, positioning the company closer to Asia's largest oil trading hub. Singapore serves as a critical gateway between Middle Eastern producers and Southeast Asian markets, offering access to major trading platforms and global pricing benchmarks.
Strategic Vision and Leadership Insights
Constance Marie C. Lim, First Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Top Line, emphasized the strategic importance of this move. "This initiative is a strategic step toward our long-term vertical integration strategy by optimizing our end-to-end supply chain. By establishing a trading presence in Singapore, we enhance fuel supply reliability and efficiently structure costs. Over time, this is expected to improve margins and sourcing efficiency across our network," she stated. The company anticipates that this expansion will lead to better control over fuel procurement, reduced costs, and enhanced profitability as it scales its import footprint.
Expanding Retail and Operational Footprint
Beyond its new international venture, Top Line continues to strengthen its domestic operations. The company is engaged in commercial fuel trading, depot operations, and retail fuel services primarily in the Visayas region. It owns Light Fuels Corp., which focuses on the retail segment, and has recently completed the renovation and rebranding of eight fuel stations in northern Cebu.
These stations, now operational under the Light Fuels Express format, are located in Medellin, Bogo, Daanbantayan, Tabogon, Sogod, Borbon, Catmon, and Carmen. This area is notable for its motorcycle-dominated market, with two-wheeled vehicles accounting for approximately 80 percent of local fuel consumption. The renovated cluster is projected to generate between 800,000 and one million liters in monthly sales, significantly boosting the company's retail capacity.
Future Plans and Regional Expansion
The renovation of the northern Cebu stations is part of a broader cluster-based program that includes locations in Cebu, Leyte, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. Renovations for Clusters 2, 3, and 4 are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, further expanding Top Line's market reach and sales potential. This domestic growth complements the international strategy, creating a comprehensive approach to vertical integration that spans from global sourcing to local retail distribution.
Overall, Top Line's establishment of a Singapore subsidiary marks a pivotal step in its evolution as a fuel distributor. By enhancing supply chain efficiency and expanding both internationally and domestically, the company is poised to improve margins, secure reliable fuel supplies, and capture a larger share of the market in the years ahead.
