Total raises LPG price by 50¢

Total Philippines Inc. raised by 50 centavos the price of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) yesterday.

Other oil companies, among them Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., have yet to announce if they would raise their prices.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday assured that there is enough supply of LPG for households and industries.

"LPG refillers getting supply from Liquigaz do not have to worry because their shipments have arrived, and in fact Liquigaz has been continuously serving its customers," DOE Undersecretary Mariano Salazar said.

"Five more shipments are scheduled to arrive beginning this week. We reiterate that there is enough supply of LPG in the country and that we strongly urge customers, including LPG dealers and retailers, to report to DOE-OIMB Supply Division with contact number 0917-5560748 anyone, especially suppliers or dealers, curtailing LPG supplies."

There has been long queues of tank trucks getting supply from Liquigaz as its shipments due to arrive last Saturday only came in two days later.

Liquigaz has nonetheless continuously served its customers, including independent refillers and other bulk suppliers.

Salazar reiterated the government’s call to the public to purchase their LPG from authorized dealers and retail outlets for their safety.

"World prices of crude and other petroleum products including LPG have continued to increase, and it is only right that consumers get their money’s worth in buying LPG," he said.

Those refilled without conforming to safety standards and without safety features are considered illegal, he added. – Donnabelle Gatdula