TAGUIG CITY – As part of the agency's efforts to keep the public duly informed of international or domestic developments which may have an impact on energy goods or services, the Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this advisory to warn the public against the impending increase in the price of petroleum products which would take effect next week amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

"The DOE is closely monitoring global oil supply and price movements, in coordination with our downstream oil industry players. We are working to exhaust all measures that would help uphold consumer welfare during this challenging period," Energy  Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi emphasized.  

According to the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), the following global oil market developments are responsible for the oil price increases: 

• Russia-Ukraine peace talks are on a stand-still, weakening any hope for a resolution to the conflict, and exacerbating concerns of a possible European Union (EU) embargo on Russian oil; 

• Ongoing discussions on a potential Russian oil ban. While the EU has not imposed a ban on Russian oil imports, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire had recently mentioned that an EU-level embargo on Russian oil was possible;

• The warning from OPEC+ on the impossibility of replacing seven million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil and other liquid exports that would be lost in the event of sanctions or voluntary actions;

• No Iran deal and low OPEC spare capacity due to various financial and economic factors. Reports indicate that only a few producers could maintain capacity in reserve while raising production. These are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Iran, under US sanctions, has over one million bpd that could return to the market. However, Iran would only be able to tap into this capacity if the nuclear talks are successful. 

While the Department assures the public that the country's oil supply remains sufficient, the DOE cautions against the inevitability of domestic price spikes, which continue to reflect upward global market movements. 

“It is really unfortunate that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis is felt globally. This is why we would like to earnestly appeal to everyone to integrate energy efficiency and conservation into our daily lives to help manage costs," the Energy chief added. 

The DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) recommends the following tips that could help enhance fuel economy:

•Clutch is not equal to foot rest. Bear in mind that clutch pedal is not where the foot rests. If done continuously, this will create heat and wear the clutch out;

• Remove that extra weight. Unwanted items like a flat tire, unwanted luggage in the vehicle, especially heavy ones, can reduce the vehicle’s mileage. For smaller vehicles in particular, try to minimize putting in weight in the car to save energy;

• If the use of air condition cannot be avoided, the AC reduces fuel economy most during acceleration. Wait to turn on your air conditioner until you have reached cruising speed;

• When using the air conditioner, use the lowest setting at a high fan speed after the car has cooled to a comfortable level;

• Your car’s air conditioning drains its engine’s power. A study shows that 15 percent more fuel with the air conditioner is used as compared to identical trips completed without its use;

• Low flow can damage your fuel pump, particles can clog your injectors making the car run poorly, it can even cause your engine to run lean. Keep automobiles fuel filters clean and save the fuel;

• Consider buying a highly fuel-efficient vehicle. It could save you a lot at the gas pump and help the environment;

• Check into telecommuting, carpooling and public transit to cut mileage and car maintenance costs;

• Don't drive aggressively. Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33% and city mileage 5%;

• Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each one taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm;

• Keep tires properly inflated. Use the recommended air pressure printed on the tire's sidewall;

• Before you hit the road, keep your vehicle well tuned, this will improve fuel economy and minimize emissions;

• Walk or cycle short distances whenever possible; and

• Use public transport if it is available and convenient for you;

"This international crisis underscores the urgent need for the Philippines to attain energy independence and security. A country like ours cannot remain to be at the mercy of global supply or price volatilities," Secretary Cusi concluded. 

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