DOE declares LPG, kerosene price freeze in more Agaton-hit areas

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday announced price freeze on household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products for 15 days in more areas placed under a state of calamity due to Tropical Depression Agaton.

In an advisory, the DOE said the price freeze on LPG and kerosene is now in effect in Sara and Passi City, both in Iloilo, from April 12 to 26, 2022.

Meanwhile, the price freeze on the said petroleum products is in effect from April 13 to 27, 2022 in Lemery, Iloilo and Potatan, Leyte.

The DOE has declared a price freeze on LPG and kerosene in several areas under state of calamity last week. 

Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, a “price freeze" should be enforced on basic energy products being sold in areas declared under a state of calamity.

Any person who violates a “price freeze” shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for a period of one year to 10 years or a fine ranging between P5,000 and P1,000,000 or both depending on the court’s discretion. 

On Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said assistance worth P64,028,560 has been provided to regions affected by Agaton.

In its 8.m. report, the NDRRMC said financial aid, family food packs, tents, kitchen sets, among others were given to victims in Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro.

The reported death toll remained at 178, missing persons at 111, and injured people at eight.

Only the reports on 18 deaths, seven missing people, and six injured people have been confirmed so far, the NDRRMC said. 

A total of 2,081,011 people or 599,956 families were affected by Agaton in 2,421 barangays in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News