Government urged to probe 'unjust' oil price hikes in Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines – A Valenzuela City councilor yesterday urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate complaints that some gas stations in Valenzuela allegedly increased the price of their gasoline products by P2 to P3 per liter.

Councilor Alvin Feliciano, also president of the local Liga ng mga Barangay, said owners of these establishments are “illegally manipulating” the prices of petroleum products, including that of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

He said the increased cost of LPG has forced many residents to turn to wood or charcoal for cooking.

“We are appealing to the DOE and the DTI for their immediate action for this unwarranted price manipulation or some unscrupulous traders would also do it in other areas,” Feliciano said.

Feliciano said Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Rex Gatchalian have joined him in urging gasoline station owners “to be just” in increasing their gas prices.

Feliciano directed yesterday barangay officials of Valenzuela to strictly monitor gasoline stations and LPG dealers for excessive price increases in their areas and to immediately report them to his office for quick action. – Pete Laude