• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, March 9 called on fuel retailers to refrain from taking advantage of price increases by raising prices prematurely or hoarding fuel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Oil prices are set to increase by P17 to P24 per liter this week, but the increase will be spread over seven days instead of being implemented in a single day, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is also issuing 54 show-cause orders to several gas stations for prematurely hiking pump prices.
Violating DOE directives could result in the cancellation of permits, Garin said.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said they are implementing contingency measures to protect domestic fuel security across the region in collaboration with concerned agencies and local government units.
“Police will monitor fuel prices and ensure distribution complies with government regulations,” Ibay said.
The escalating cost of fuel is raising alarm within Negros Occidental’s hog industry, with leaders cautioning that sustained increases could lead to significantly higher production expenses and ultimately impact consumer prices.
Ric Lauron, president of the Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental, articulated the industry’s growing apprehension, confirming that the potential ramifications of fuel price increases were a primary discussion point at their recent meeting.
While feed prices have yet to reflect the current fuel situation, Lauron said they anticipate an upward adjustment from suppliers as early as next week. | GB
