Upon a declaration of a State of Calamity in Biliran, the Department of Energy (DOE) is ready to implement kerosene and household LPG price freeze. This is the direction of Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi as the DOE is already closely monitoring the prices of petroleum products in the the typhoon-stricken province to protect consumers from undue price increases.
The DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau, closely coordinates with oil industry players in the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 10623, which imposes a “price freeze” on household LPG and kerosene products being sold in the areas affected by the calamity.
“With the declaration of a State of Calamity in Biliran and if it will be extended to nearby provinces, the DOE will oversee and impose a price freeze on basic energy commodities for 15 days, particularly for kerosene and household LPG,” informed Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.
Sec. Cusi also emphasized that “Oil companies are also obliged to update the DOE of their operational status in their depots and gasoline stations within the areas.”
“This will ensure that oil supply is stable and will also reduce opportunities of unscrupulous traders of taking advantage the oil situation,” he added.
The DOE calls on the public to remain vigilant and report such incidents to Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. 4792900 loc. 329. (DOE)
