Yesterday, prices for gasoline went up by Php 7.10 and diesel by Php 13.15. This latest price increase is significant because in some areas diesel is either as expensive or more expensive than gas. Needless to say, this fuel price crisis is affecting all commuters and motorists alike.
To try and ease the situation, the Department of Energy (DOE) is asking oil companies to do their best to stagger price increases. DOE Oil Industry Management Assistant Director Rodela Romero said that some oil companies are already doing staggered price increases, and she hopes the others will follow suit.
“Noong nakaraang linggo po may oil companies na nag-implement ng staggered implementation at mayroon din pong oil companies na hindi nag-implement ng kaniyang adjustment. Hopefully makinig po iyong ating mga kasama sa industriya,” said Romero. (Last week, some oil companies implemented staggered implementation and some oil companies did not implement its adjustment. Hopefully, our industry colleagues will listen).
Despite the ongoing price increase, the DOE was quick to point out that our country still has enough fuel supply. Right now, the DOE is working with other agencies to provide assistance to the most affected people and sectors.
It was reported that DOF Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has proposed a Php 33.1 Billion budget for the affected sectors and people.
