DOE assures PH has sufficient LPG supply

The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured the public that the Philippines has a sufficient supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The government and the private sector are collaborating to strengthen inventory levels despite global supply pressures.

In a recent Palace press briefing, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin noted that while prices have increased significantly, the Philippines currently maintains approximately one month’s worth of LPG inventory.

“Hindi pa naman, hindi po,” Garin said when asked about concerns of a possible LPG shortage.

“Pero tumaas po iyong presyo, naging mahal talaga siya. I think ang P1,100 naging P1,500 yata. Sobrang laki ng increase ng LPG, but that will stay for one month, once a month lang po iyong change ng presyo ng LPG.”

Garin has urged consumers to monitor LPG prices and report any retailers implementing irregular or daily price adjustments.

It was explained that following supply tensions in the Middle East, local companies have transitioned to sourcing LPG from alternative markets, including China, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States.

"Naghanap sila hanggang Australia, US at ngayon po nakakuha na sila, may supply na sila, pero hindi pa ganoon kakomportable iyong number,” she said. “Even though 15 days lang dapat iyan, pero ngayon po, they are at 32 days.”

To further strengthen supply stability, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and private firms have agreed to jointly procure an additional shipment of LPG.

Following discussions with the government, the contract with new suppliers is currently being finalized. Both the public and private sectors are participating in these procurement efforts.

“Hindi ko lang alam kung anong country ang na-contact for the PNOC contract, pero iyon iyong gagawin namin in DOE, we will buy together with our companies for LPG,” Garin said.

-Paraluman News