Independent LPG refillers, marketers, decry harassment

Independent liquified petroleum gas (LPG) refillers and marketers accused on Friday the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of harassing them, allegedly on orders of the big three oil companies.

In a statement, members of the LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) and LPG Refillers Association (LPGRA) called on President Arroyo to investigate the illegal raids and warrantless searches being conducted by the CIDG agaisnt LPG refillers and dealers.

The group accused major petroleum players Shell, Petrom and Caltex of trying to ease out small-scale refillers and dealers which offer cheaper but quality household LPG.

The group stressed its point: "The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy should take into consideration our situation. These departments should take action to regulate the monopolistic activities of the major oil dealers in the country to give equal protection to independent refillers."

Members of the two associations alleged that the big players are behind the harassment against them, so they can monopolize the prices of LPG in the country.

"With our existence in the playing field, the big three oil players will have no control in raising the prices of LPG. Our presence in the business somewhat hinders their monopolistic agenda and we ask the government to take into consideration the interest of the buying public," the group explained.

It said government, instead of using the CIDG as a "tool of harassment" should encourage the existence of small investors.

The group said harassment against its members started when small refillers and marketers gradually encroached into the captive market of the big oil companies.

"We have invested capital in the LPG business, including the purchase of LPG cylinder, because we firmly believe then that the Oil Deregulation Law was intended to break the monopoly of the oil majors and the small players will be given reasonable protection by the government," the group said.