MANILA, Philippines - Phoenix Petroleum Philippines has been awarded as the Top 7 importer of 2012 by the Bureau of Customs.

In a disclosure, the oil firm said it was recognized among the country's top importers after paying P4.733 billion in taxes to the government.

In 2011, Phoenix Petroleum was also awarded the seventh top spot after paying P3.69 billion in import taxes.

Earnings of Phoenix Petroleum rose 26% to P34.7 billion last year driven by fuel sales amid expansion of its retail network.