The Department of Energy (DOE) - Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), following the directive of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, today called on oil companies to suspend this week's implementation of oil price adjustments in areas declared under a State of Calamity (SOC) after Typhoon Ompong (international name Manghut) pummeled Luzon over the weekend.

The areas placed under a SOC are: Mayoyao, Ifugao (15 September); Cagayan; Abra; Benguet; Kalinga (16 September); Ilocos Norte; and Isabela (18 September).

"Now more than ever, we must put into concrete action the spirit of bayanihan which we Filipinos are known for," Sec. Cusi emphasized, highlighting the urgency of extending all forms of assistance in the aftermath of the typhoon.

The DOE-OIMB in the message it earlier sent to oil companies said, "We are once again appealing to your social and moral responsibilities on withholding the implementation of oil price adjustments in the calamity-stricken areas."

The Bureau also reminded them of the price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products in said areas which is valid for 15 days upon the announcement of a SOC. 

So far, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. has confirmed that in addition to the price freeze (covering kerosene and household LPG), there will be no price movement for gasoline and automotive diesel oil products in their retail outlets located in SOC areas.

The DOE remains optimistic that other industry players will follow suit.

"The entire energy family continues to assure the public that it will find and implement all possible remedial measures that would assist our kababayans up North in rebuilding more resilient structures and facilities," Sec. Cusi concluded.

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