MANILA – The prices of oil products in the Second District of Pampanga should not increase, at least in the next 15 days, now that the area has been declared under State of Calamity following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Luzon late Monday afternoon.
This was stressed by Energy Undersecretary and Spokesperson Felix William Fuentebella in a briefing on Tuesday.
He explained that the price freeze is applicable for kerosene and household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“This means that they cannot increase prices but if price declines then it should be implemented,” he said.
Relatively, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez told journalists that the price freeze is usually implemented for 60 days.
Based on the initial price and supply situation report submitted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel from the regions, in Bataan in Region 3 alone “prices and supply of basic and prime commodities did not change and remained stable.”
“Supermarkets, groceries and retail outlets in wet markets are operating,” it said.
The report also noted that power services in Bataan normalized at around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday but road, water and communication networks were not affected.
It also said that a few offices “are temporarily closed due to structural checking of their respective buildings.”
In the National Capital Region (NCR), which was also affected by the earthquake, price, demand and supply “remained sufficient and stable.”
“Business operations are normal,” it said, adding that there is “no structural damage observed so far in the monitored area.” (PNA)
