LPG prices rolled back anew

MANILA, Philippines – Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Total Philippines Inc. have again reduced the prices of their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P1 per kilo.

This is the third decrease for LPG this month. The cut in local LPG prices corresponds to a drop in international LPG contract prices.

Industrialist Raul Concepcion, Consumer and Oil Price Watch chairman, said they are now talking with LPG suppliers to come up with special coupon on LPG tanks.

They hope to implement the special discount program on LPG by March this year, he added.

Speaking at the Philippine Economic Forum, President Arroyo commended Concepcion for bringing up the idea of using “special coupons” to give discounts to the poor.

Special coupons are also being considered as a mechanism to lower the price of electricity.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said his department is now coordinating with the concerned agencies to implement proposed measures to cushion consumers, particularly marginal users, from high electricity prices.

“We are now convening the principal key players in the power industry that will involve government, the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission), the generators, producers and we will institutionalize this setup so that we can effectively and efficiently work towards that goal of reducing power rates,” he said.

Mrs. Arroyo announced that the government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has submitted to the ERC its petition to expand the lifeline rate. – Donnabelle Gatdula