|
By Llanesca T. Panti, Reporter
WHETHER its Christmas time or not, various oil companies should make
deep price cuts because of the continuous decrease of oil prices in
the world market, Vice President Noli de Castro said Saturday.
De Castro was reacting to news reports that oil
companies are just lowering its pump prices because of repeated
appeals from Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron
Corp., Chevron Philippines Inc. (formerly Caltex), Flying V, Seaoil
Philippines Inc. and PTT Philippines Corp. announced a P2 per liter
cut in their diesel, gasoline and kerosene products on Friday.
The vice president noted that with world oil
prices now at $36 per barrel compared with $147 in July, there is no
reason for the oil companies to slowdown on giving rollbacks.
“Hindi iyon utang na loob sa kanila [oil
companies]. [It is not a debt of gratitude to them]. It is their
responsibility [to cut the oil prices because of decreased oil
cost in the world market],” de Castro said in his DZMM radio
program Para Sa ‘Yo Bayan.
De Castro also cited the fact that world oil
prices remained going down despite the production cutback announced
by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The
oil cartel cut its production by a record 2 million barrels a day on
Thursday.
Such move was made by OPEC because of
expectations of decreased demand for oil.
“We do not need to stage rallies or
plead to them. They know what to do, and that is to cut the present
prices. After all, it is peak season for them since there are a lot
of vehicles this holiday season,” de Castro said.
Raul Concepcion, chairman of Consumer and Oil
Price Watch, agreed. He said oil companies should implement bigger
rollbacks.
“The interest of oil companies should be
balanced with those of the consumers. Regardless of season, they
should perform their responsibility,” Concepcion said.
“We expect more price rollbacks until January.
The people deserve it,” he added.
|
