Magalong requests for Baguio City-specific fuel cost cut

The leadership of Baguio City has recently requested for the reduction of the cost of fuel products in the area.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong sought for the trimming down on the retail price of fuel through the letters to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, and San Miguel Holdings Corporation Vice Chairperson and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang.

In his letter to Lotilla, Magalong aired the city’s concern on the disparity of fuel prices in Baguio and other localities. The variance, the letter stated, was between P5-P10.

“This difference is hard felt among our drivers and public transport operators who have had to operate in conditions not dissimilar to those in areas with lower fuel prices,” Magalong told Lotilla in the letter.

He also said that the city “is constrained to seek an inquiry as to why this gap in prices exists or is allowed to prevail” as he appealed for the energy department to undertake “appropriate intervention and any other action that (the department) may see fit in the interest of public service and convenience.”

Meanwhile, Magalong requested Ang for the corporation to “consider the possibility of reducing fuel prices in the city to an extent that it may consider as practicable and at the same time reasonable for consumers.”

The city mayor reopened the issue due to the persisting gap between the prices, which he described as “concerning."

He first addressed the issue in October 2019 when he sought an audience with the executives of the three big industry players and aired the city’s appeal to reduce permanently the price differences.

In a statement, the city stated that the Petron Corporation — through Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs Charmaine Canillas — granted the appeal and reduced the cost in the city by P3.

“We really hope that we can again be heard, and our request granted for the price reduction to help our city in its economic recovery efforts,” the mayor said.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Benjie Magalong Facebook page

Also read:

Baguio to Employ 4Es to Fix Worsening Traffic

Baguio City Mayor Urges Jeepney Drivers to Operate Until 10 PM

Baguio Mayor Favors 3-Year Closure of Kennon Road for Rehabilitation