Speedy probe into alleged overpriced oil products urged

CEBU, Philippines - Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes has ordered the members of the joint task force which comprises personnel from the Departments of Energy and Justice to speed up their investigation on the alleged overpricing of fuel products that are being sold in Cebu and in other parts of the Visayas.

DOE Undersecretary Roy Kyamko has informed Cebu City officials that they have told task force members they want a thorough investigation on the alleged overpricing and, if possible, to file a case against the concerned oil firms.

The Cebu City Council earlier passed a resolution asking the DOE and the DOJ to fast track their hearing on the complaint against the three major oil dealers for selling fuel at higher prices here and in the other places of the Visayas region.

Prices of oil products that are sold in Luzon and even in some parts of Mindanao are much lower compared to the prices of fuel products here.

In relation to this, the City Council has already sent invitations to the three major oil firms of the country for them to send their representatives during the regular session in the afternoon of December 2.

The city legislators would want to know why oil prices in the Visayas are higher than in any other place in the country.

Oil firm officials earlier explained that the prices of oil products sold in Cebu vary differently from that in Metro Manila because of transportation expenses. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)