• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The prices of petroleum products continue to soar, with diesel nearing the P150 per liter mark.
Oil companies announced over the weekend that diesel could increase from P17 to P20 per liter, gasoline by P4 to P7/L, and kerosene by P9 to P12/L. Exact adjustments will be known today, April 6, with price movements usually implemented every Tuesday.
This will be the 13th straight week of increases for gasoline, and the 14th for diesel and kerosene, since the start of this year. The double-digit hike, especially for diesel, meanwhile, started almost a month ago, after the US and Israel attacked Iran, and the ensuing counterstrikes.
The Department of Energy, on the other hand, said April 4 that it continues to actively monitor fuel prices and supply conditions nationwide amid developments in the Middle East affecting global oil supply.
It said that deputized agencies have been mobilized, even during the Holy Week, to strengthen on-the-ground monitoring of fuel retail stations. These include local government units, the Philippine National Police, the National Electrification Administration, and the National Power Corporation.
“These coordinated efforts for consumer protection ensure proper inventory levels, fair pricing practices, and orderly station operations,” the DOE said in a statement. “When there is full cooperation and compliance, prices are less likely to spike due to artificial shortages, and businesses can continue operating without disruption.” | CGC
