MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday appealed to the Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to consider imposing a price limit on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The senator expressed concern over the potential rise in LPG costs, which could affect both Filipino households and small-scale entrepreneurs. Arnel Ty, founder of LPG Marketers Association Inc. and Regasco president, recently noted that prices might climb by around P30 per kilogram.
“I call on the DOE and DTI to maintain sufficient LPG supply, rigorously monitor prices, and, if increases are unwarranted, apply a price ceiling under RA 10623,” Gatchalian stated. “Any excessive hike will add pressure to daily living expenses and increase food prices.”
At a Senate ad hoc committee meeting last Thursday addressing the Middle East crisis, Gatchalian requested that the DOE and Philippine National Oil Company submit details of ongoing government-to-government oil deals. He also urged a faster rollout of alternative fuel solutions to lessen potential supply disruptions.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed on Friday that the country has enough crude oil until June 30. He instructed the DOE to continue securing additional fuel sources, even as Energy Secretary Sharon Garin reported a 40- to 45-day supply of oil is currently available.
ia/xf
