Lawmaker accuses LPG suppliers of collusion

MANILA, Philippines – A partylist representative scored liquefied petroleum gas suppliers for alleged collusion supposedly to jack up fuel prices.

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

LPG Marketers’ Association (LPGMA) Representative Arnel Ty said at a press briefing Wednesday that he suspected collusion when Shell Philippines announced decommissioning its terminal facility in Batangas.

Closing down the LPG facility, Ty said, would result in a shortage and eventually, spike in prices.

This is because the storage facility provides 65 percent of the Luzon’s supply for fuel, he added.

“I think there’s collusion here. It needs to be investigated carefully by the energy committee,” Ty said.

The lawmaker made a statement amid allegations that the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) colluded with power players to increase power prices in the spot market.

Ty called on the energy department to take over the facility to stop the pending hike.

He said the hike may be more than P5 per kilo.

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