by RG Alama

Davao City (12 July) -- As major oil firms have jacked up prices of gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) anew, the Government is trying to lead the way in conserving energy and the efficient and prudent use of oil products in an effort to cushion the effects of a new round of oil price hikes.

“We urge our people to conserve energy and use oil products efficiently and prudently in which the Government is leading the way,” said Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye.

Last July 9, four major oil firms increased gasoline prices by about 50 centavos per liter while LPG was hiked to about 50 centavos per kilo.

Sec. Bunye said that although the oil price hike is beyond our control and is likely to stay for an extended period,the Government is continuing to seek ways to cushion the dire effects of rising oil prices over the public welfare.

He added that aside from energy and fuel conservation, the Arroyo administration is appealing to Congress to immediately pass the Biofuels Act which would enable the country to maximize indigenous, alternative fuel sources.

Sec. Bunye said that by sparking a Philippine Biofuel industry, the country would not only conserve its precious foreign exchange but would also create more jobs in the countryside.