By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Described by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the biggest yet for this year, motorists will again have to brace for another hike in oil prices on Tuesday (30 Jan 2024).

DOE Director Rodela Romero earlier said this may be due to the lowering of US crude stock amid high demand and the Chinese central bank’s release of a stimulus package for economic recovery.

“Estimated increase is attributed to the following relevant international oil market developments such as the US crude stockpile fell; stimulus package issued by the central bank of China to inject/reinforce its economic recovery; and India to become a single most important driver of oil demand growth,” Romero said.

Last week, oil companies also implemented an increase in pump prices.

Diesel prices were up by P0.95 per liter while gasoline prices increased by P1.30 per liter.

It is anticipated that gasoline prices will increase by P2.50 to P2.80 per liter.

Meanwhile, diesel prices will increase by P1 to P1.30 per liter.

Kerosene prices are seen to take the smallest hike at P0.40 to P0.60 per liter.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Saturday (January 20, 2024) that Panay Island now maintains a stable electricity supply despite a generating plant going offline on January 17.

“Ang situation po ngayon, kagaya ng nabanggit ko kanina, stable po ang grid system natin. May ample supply tayo, walang kakulangan, at every 30 minutes po mino-monitor namin iyong sitwasyon. At mayroon pang mga oras na nag-eexport pa ang Panay papunta ng Negros,” shared Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan during a forum.

“Ang sitwasyon po is dahil may isang plantang naka-out at iyong planta rin po na iyon ay naka-out at that time na mangyari iyong January 2. So ngayon, para maiiwasan po natin na huwag magkaroon pa ng sitwasyon kagaya ng noong January 2. Kung mayroon pang isa o dalawang planta na magkakaroon pa ng problema, saka po sila mag-iisyu noong talagang advisory na magkakaroon ng manual o tripping.”

When asked about rotational brownouts in Panay, the DOE official clarified that there are no rotational brownouts except during the time the affected plant temporarily ceased operations.

Marasigan noted that before the January 17 incident, Panay had a stable energy generation operation, except on January 2, when the region experienced high power demand, resulting in a prolonged blackout.

Panay Island currently has more than 400 megawatts of power supply, while the demand is around 420 megawatts, according to Marasigan.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) has indicated that electricity may potentially be restored to Panay Island on Friday, three days after the onset of the power outage.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan stated that they are aiming for the restoration of electricity “within the day.”

“Tentatively, we are targeting within the day, what we call the ramp rate. The increase in capacity should be manageable within the day,” Marasigan explained.

“Our priority is to restore electricity service to Panay Island. We are closely monitoring the reoperation of the Palm Concepcion power plant, which has a capacity of 135MW. Hopefully, it will reach full operational capacity and synchronize with the grid within the day,” he added.

“We hope it won’t extend into the night.”

The blackout commenced on January 2.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed concern, stating that the city is incurring losses of P400 million to P500 million daily due to power interruptions and rotational brownouts.

“In three days, we would have lost P1.5 billion. What a way to start the new year!”

Earlier, Treñas called for a congressional inquiry to take place in Iloilo City.

“I am requesting that any legislative investigation by Congress be held in Iloilo City. The Provincial Capitol is an ideal location for this investigation. It is necessary for our legislators, NGCP, DoE, ERC, and other agencies to feel the collective indignation of the Ilonggo people regarding the incompetence of NGCP,” Treñas emphasized.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) has expressed openness to a congressional investigation into the recent widespread power outage affecting Panay Island and other areas in Western Visayas.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan stated that such an investigation is necessary to shed light on the incident.

“Bukas ang Kagawaran ng Enerhiya sa ganitong imbestigasyon para maliwanagan at mabigyan ng pansin ang mga sitwasyon na nangyayari,” he affirmed. Marasigan also reminded the public of a similar incident in April last year, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences.

“Gayunpaman po, patuloy ang pangangalap natin ng mga datos, hindi pa namin masabi kung sino at saan nagmula ang pagkakaroon ng outages sa Visayas. Kaya’t kung anuman po ang magiging imbestigasyon, bukas po ang Kagawaran ng Enerhiya,” he added.

Marasigan further noted that the DOE is actively monitoring the situation on the island in collaboration with distribution utilities, electricity generators, and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. However, as of Thursday, the current power generation on Panay is insufficient to restore electricity to the entire island.

(El Amigo/MNM)