• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Another double-digit increase in the pump prices of petroleum products will take effect tomorrow, March 17.
Oil companies announced that the per-liter price of gasoline could increase by P14 to P16, diesel by P20 to P23, and kerosene by P7 to P10.
The exact adjustments and whether a staggered increase will also be implemented, similar to what happened last week, will be known today, March 16.
This will be the 10th straight week of increases for gasoline, and the 11th for diesel and kerosene since the start of the year, and the second time that the price adjustment will be in double-digit.
Effective March 10, major oil companies implemented a phased increase in the prices of petroleum products to cushion its impact on motorists, delivery riders, and businesses that rely on fuel for daily operations. Total increase ranged from P7 to P13 per liter for gasoline, P17.50 to P24.25/L for diesel, and P32 to P38.50/L for kerosene.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), meanwhile, said it has intensified its monitoring on fuel supply and pricing across the city as the global oil market remains volatile due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, BCPO officer-in-charge, already directed all station and unit commanders to regularly inspect gasoline stations in their areas of responsibility “to prevent any form of overpricing or irregularities.”
The BCPO urged the public to remain vigilant, and to report any irregularities related to fuel pricing to the nearest police station.
PNP chief, P/General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has also warned that illegal LPG operations endanger communities and will not be tolerated. “We will continue to run after those who put communities at risk for profit.” Transact only with authorized LPG dealers and report suspicious or unsafe refilling activities, the police said. | CGC
