DOE Imposes LPG Price Freeze in Negros Occidental Amid State of Calamity

The Department of Energy (DOE) has implemented a price freeze on household fuel products in Negros Occidental following the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

In an advisory, the DOE announced that the price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders weighing 11 kilograms or less, as well as kerosene, will remain in effect across the province until December 27, 2024.

In the City of Bago, which declared a state of calamity earlier on December 16, the price freeze will last until December 30.

Prohibition of Price Increases

During the 15-day price freeze period, retailers are strictly prohibited from increasing the prices of affected fuel products.

Kanlaon Volcano Eruption

Kanlaon Volcano experienced an explosive eruption on December 9, leading the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise its alert level to Alert Level 3, signaling high volcanic unrest.

PHIVOLCS warns that hazardous eruptions could occur within weeks, with potential hazards including:

• Sudden explosive eruptions
• Lava flows and effusions
• Ashfall
• Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs)
• Rockfalls
• Lahars during heavy rainfall

Community Impact

The eruption and heightened volcanic activity have prompted local governments and agencies to take preventive measures, including the imposition of price freezes to ease the burden on affected residents.

The DOE continues to monitor fuel prices and ensure compliance with the freeze while advising residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential volcanic hazards.