RP issues appeal to OPEC through Indonesia

The Philippine government, through its ASEAN neighbor, Indonesia, has appealed to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to exercise prudence in tackling the issue of long-term stability of oil prices in the region.

The appeal was made by Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez during the 19th ASEAN Ministers’ Energy Meeting (AMEM) held the other day in Brunei, Darussalam.

Perez, in a faxed statement, said the Energy Minister of Thailand likewise made a similar call to Indonesia, the only representative of ASEAN in OPEC.

"We are urging the OPEC member countries to take the broad and long-term view in their quest for the ideal level of oil price in order to assist overall global economic activities," he said.

The AMEM is an annual forum where energy ministers from the ASEAN brief and update each other on energy issues and concerns affecting the region.

During the meeting, Perez said the ministers shared the view that the ASEAN member countries should address concerns on sustainable energy development with policies and programs related to energy security and energy pricing, mitigation of the impact of energy use on environment and the promotion of economical and efficient use of energy.

He noted that the ASEAN plan of action for energy cooperation offers wide-ranging opportunities such as the interconnection energy infrastructure consisting of the ASEAN power grid and Trans-ASEAN gas pipeline.

The energy secretary said these interconnection projects would help fast-track economic integration in ASEAN and contribute much to regional security of energy supply.

Perez said he presented to the AMEM the integrated energy-environment policy approach espoused by the Philippine energy sector and the government’s commitment to the Philippine Agenda 21, the national agenda for sustainable development. – Donnabelle Gatdula