Lawmaker seeks probe on energy security

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker is seeking a House inquiry on the impact of the closure of two oil refineries on the country’s energy security.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel wanted a clarification of the implications of the shutdown of Shell’s refinery in Batangas and Petron Corp.’s refinery in Bataan by January.

Pimentel said both Shell and Petron found it more profitable to supply their combined 3,526 retail stations in the country with imported finished oil products after reporting P13.9 billion and P12.6 billion in net losses from January to September this year. —NESTOR CORRALES