The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered a 60-day freeze on prices of 11-kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.

The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to mobilize government resources for relief and rescue operations. By stabilizing fuel prices, the DOE aims to shield households from price spikes while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential energy products needed for cooking, lighting, and disaster recovery.

“Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said in an official statement.

The DOE will work alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units to monitor compliance. Inspections will be conducted to curb overpricing and profiteering, with violators subject to penalties under existing laws.

The agency reassured the public that supply is sufficient and that distribution channels are coordinated with oil companies and local authorities to ensure fuel availability, particularly for evacuation centers and severely affected areas.

Regular updates will be issued to keep the public informed on petroleum supply, price enforcement measures, and other energy initiatives in Cebu’s recovery phase.

How effective do you think a fuel price freeze is in disaster response? Join the discussion on the implications for energy policy and relief operations.

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