• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday called on the conscience of fuel retailers to refrain from taking advantage of fuel price hikes by raising prices prematurely or hoarding fuel, amid rising tensions in the Middle East, in response to complaints that some gas stations increasing prices ahead of official announcements, or holding back supplies.
Oil prices are set to increase by P17 to P24 per liter this week, but the hike will be spread over seven days instead of being implemented in a single day, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin disclosed on Monday.
The Department of Energy is 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, regional police director of Negros Island Region, said the PRO-NIR also implemented contingency measures to protect domestic fuel security across the region, in collaboration with the Departments of Energy, as well as Trade and Industry, and local government units.
Police will monitor fuel prices and ensure distribution complies with government regulations, Ibay said.
Lacson called on Negrenses to pray hard that soon the Middle East conflict will end, noting that the situation is getting worse.
The escalating cost of fuel is raising alarms 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 (AHRANO), articulated the industry’s growing apprehension, confirming that the potential ramifications of fuel price hikes were a primary discussion point at their recent meeting.
While feed prices have yet to reflect the current fuel situation, Lauron anticipates an upward adjustment from suppliers as early as next week.
On the other hand, the four-day work scheme in some Negros Occidental local government units took effect March 9, as part of the energy conservation measures amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The compressed four-day work is currently being implemented in the local government units of Murcia and Ilog, as well as Silay City, and will start at the Provincial Capitol on March 16.*
