Higher fuel prices in Negros Occidental puzzles dad
BACOLOD CITY — Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Wilson Gamboa Jr. recently passed a resolution requesting the National Government thru Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes to conduct an investigation and to regulate fuel prices in Bacolod City which is allegedly higher by P4-P6/liter compared to fuel prices on some cities like Cagayan De Oro and Davao Cities.
Gamboa cited the moves of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) through its Vice President for External Affairs Jose Maria Zayco in questioning the fuel prices in Bacolod as being higher by P4–P6 per liter compared to fuel prices in some cities like Cagayan De Oro and Davao which is surprising since Negros is closer to Batangas, where most companies get their fuel supply, and as such, it would be more logical that fuel prices in Negros should be cheaper compared to that in Mindanao areas.
“Department of Energy Undersecretary Roy Kyamco was surprised upon learning that fuel prices in Negros Occidental are higher than in other parts of the country and hence he advised Negrenses to file complaints before his office so he will have enough basis to conduct an investigation on the oil companies,” Gamboa said.
He further stressed that the Department of Energy is mandated by R.A 7638 (Department of Energy Act of l992) to prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise and control all plans, programs, projects and activities of the Government relative to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution and conservation.
Gamboa insisted that Bacolod public utility drivers, motorists and the general public should enjoy access to basic services, including transport, that are affordable and reasonable. He mentioned that while the Department of Energy regulates oil prices in the National Capital Region, local gasoline dealers have taken advantage of the situation by charging higher prices compared to other parts of the country.