Independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. (PPPI) posted a 27 percent jump in sales revenue to P5.883 billion in 2009 from P4.615 billion in 2008 based on unaudited figures. The surge came with the growth of the company’s retail network, commercial accounts, and lubricants business.

PPPI increased its market share based on volume to approximately 1.2 percent from 0.67 percent in 2008. In Mindanao, Phoenix Petroleum cornered 13 percent of the market in terms of retail stations, making it the fourth biggest oil company and largest independent in the south.

From 86 stations in 2008, Phoenix Petroleum grew to 120 operational stations across the Philippines – 97 in Mindanao, 1 in Visayas, and 22 in Luzon.

“The growth in our sales and market share is a result of aggressive marketing and franchising, as well as enhanced operations supporting our retail network,” PPPI President and CEO Dennis Uy said.

The company introduced last year a toll-free number for franchising, 1-800-10-PNX-FUEL, a first in the industry.

It rolled out its “Raise a Phoenix” ad campaign featuring world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao himself is a Phoenix Petroleum dealer. His station in General Santos City is the company’s 100th.

Other marketing campaigns feature popular actress Marian Rivera as the Phoenix Maiden.

PPPI has set its sights on becoming the leading independent oil company in the country. In July it inaugurated its 50-million-liter depot at the Phoenix Petroterminals and Industrial Park in Calaca, Batangas to serve as its hub in Luzon.

Government pension fund Social Security System in November acquired 2.83 percent of the capital outstanding stock of PPPI for P42 million.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products, lubricants and other chemical products, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, and allied services.

In 2007, PPPI became the first independent oil company to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange after the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law in 1998.