The Department of Energy (DOE) has been working closely with oil firms in aggressive pursuit of mitigating measures that would help consumers cope with rising prices.
Following consultation meetings, ten oil companies with a total of 1,317 participating retail stations are now offering discounts from one peso (Php 1.00) to three pesos (Php 3.00) to public utility vehicles (PUVs). These are Caltex, Filpride, Jetti, Petron, Phoenix, PTT, Seaoil, Shell, Total, and Unioil.
The DOE has posted the list of participating gasoline stations in its official website (QUICK LINKS - PRICE WATCH) https://www.doe.gov.ph/oil-monitor for reference.
“Enhancing competition in the downstream oil industry indeed benefits our consumers. At a time like this, it is crucial that the government and industry stakeholders come together to jointly provide solutions that would help fight inflation,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.
Constant coordination between the DOE and oil firms resulted in this most recent development, where said firms decided to extend fuel discounts to PUVs even without a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department.
After the 20 August meeting of Sec. Cusi with the oil companies to discuss anti-inflationary strategies, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation granted an additional discount of 25 centavos (P0.25) per liter of diesel fuel at selected retail stations. This is on top of the existing Php 1 to 2 discount being availed by PUVs under the MOA signed with DOE on 1 March 2018.
In the past months, the DOE likewise encouraged the use of electric vehicles, pure and hybrid, to introduce other means to cushion against the impact of the volatile world market prices of petroleum products.
The Energy Chief also appealed to consumers to adopt an energy efficient lifestyle. “Simple steps such as carpooling, walking or riding bikes to nearby destinations are some changes that could reduce our dependence on fuel,” he added.
The DOE continues to assure the public that it will continue to find ways to help consumers amid rising prices in the market.
###