Hidilyn Diaz’s lifetime fuel benefit discontinued after signing with competing petroleum company, says Phoenix

When Hidilyn Diaz made history as the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal in 2021, the weightlifter was celebrated not only with national acclaim but also with a promise from Phoenix Petroleum the “free fuel for life”. 

Fast forward to 2026, and the long-dormant incentive has resurfaced online amid rising fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, drawing renewed attention from netizens curious about the promise.

In response, Phoenix Petroleum issued a statement clarifying the situation, emphasizing that its support for Filipino athletes, including Diaz-Naranjo, has always been more than a publicity stunt. “We fulfilled our commitments,” the company stated, highlighting that Diaz had received her second year of fuel donation in March 2022.

Phoenix explained the arrangement ended after Diaz entered into a contract with another petroleum company, making it impossible to continue the “free fuel for life” benefit under the original terms. 

“As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same terms,” the company said.

The statement also touched on the interaction that followed the second-year donation. When asked to share the support online, Diaz declined, citing her new contract, and soon ceased communicating with Phoenix. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

READ: Phoenix Petroleum has issued a statement, saying that it has “fulfilled our commitments” to Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

“As circumstances changed and Ms. Diaz engaged with another fuel brand, the fuel donation arrangement could no longer continue under the same… pic.twitter.com/8BjakhzUsX

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) March 12, 2026

“Upon acknowledging receipt, she was asked if she could share about the donation online, she declined, citing that she recently entered into a contract with another petroleum company. She soon ceased communicating with us. We respected her decision. We fulfilled our commitments,” the statement read.

Phoenix expressed disappointment that the topic had resurfaced years later, warning that it had fueled “misleading narratives and unfair criticism” directed at the company. 

Despite this, the company reaffirmed pride in its role supporting Diaz and other Filipino athletes on their road to international victory.

Beyond the fuel incentive, Phoenix highlighted other ways it celebrated Diaz’s achievement, including a P5-million cash donation awarded immediately after her gold medal victory, reinforcing that its support extended well beyond the fuel promise.

While the controversy has reignited online chatter, Phoenix’s statement frames the story as one of longstanding support, contractual limitations, and the natural evolution of sponsorship commitments rather than unfulfilled promises.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!