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MANILA – (UPDATED 11:39 a.m.) Expect difficulty in buying cooking gas, as the recent flood caused by the monsoon rains triggered a supply squeeze downstream, the Department of Energy said on Friday.
Citing reports of major oil companies, the DOE maintains that supply of liquefied petroleum gas remains adequate across the country.
But the floods spawned by torrential rains have rendered inoperable some of the outlets of the major oil firms, which advised consumers to instead post their order through their respective tawag or call-in centers.
Based on data from the DOE, Petron Corp. controlled 38 percent of the LPG market, followed by Liquigaz Philippines Corp., 26.8 percent; Isla LPG Corp., 16.9 percent; and Total Philippines Corp., 8.2 percent. Isla LPG acquired Shell's LPG business, rebranding Shellane into Solane.
In separate text messages, Petron, Isla LPG and Total said they have enough supply to serve the market.
"Petron's inventory remains healthy. Petron continues its dealer network and industrial customers," the oil company said.
Total likewise said it has enough supply and continues to serve its clients' requirements.
Isla LPG said 90 percent of its delivery hubs are operational despite the floods.
Besides decommissioned outlets, small re-fillers are still waiting for their shipments, as import-bearing vessels were unable to dock and discharge their LPG cargo because of the rough sea at the Port of Limay in Bataan.
"If flooding has subsided and good weather will continue, supply of independent re-fillers is expected to normalize early next week," the DOE said, referring to the small retailers.
Given the supply squeeze, the DOE warned retailers against selling the limited supply at more than P700 for an 11-kilogram LPG tank, which was the prevailing price before flooding struck Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
"We appeal to customers to report to DOE by calling 8402184 retailers who are selling overpriced products," the agency said.
Overpricing of petroleum products such as LPG is sanctioned with an administrative fine of at least P10,000 and an appropriate criminal offense.
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