Aquino Orders DOE to Probe Fuel Price Difference

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday has ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to investigate reports that fuel prices in some parts of the country are higher.

The president, after attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the San Gabriel Power Plant project in Batangas City, said he was surprised after knowing the reported price difference. He said “There shouldn’t be a price difference.”

Reports said Aquino had discussed the matter with Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla who promised to investigate it. It added that Aquino made the statement after he was asked why fuel prices are higher in Batangas compared to other areas in the region. Unable to answer the question, Aquino said he would have to wait for the results of the investigation.

The DOE has directed oil companies to submit reports on fuel prices for all the gas stations throughout the country, reports said.

The president said that fuel prices will be posted on the department’s website once the reports are at hand. Aquino said that once the reports are in, they will see valid and invalid disparities and if there are invalid disparities,they will address the situation.

Power Rate Increase

On December last year, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) pronounced a record rate increase to be effected in a staggered manner to pay for higher charges by diesel-fired power generation companies, following the Malampaya maintenance shut down.

The increase was suspended after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO). The High Court has scheduled next week to resolve the petition questioning the increase,including the alleged collusion between Meralco and energy suppliers, Gma News Online reported.

Source: Gma News Online