Fuel rationing scheme not considered amid oil price shocks — DOE

The implementation of a fuel rationing scheme amid tight global supply driven by heightened tensions in the Middle East is not being considered by the government, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Friday.

''We never discuss it, we never consider it,'' Garin said at a press briefing when asked if the implementation of this scheme is imminent amid fuel price hikes.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to explore the possibility of implementing a fuel rationing scheme amid energy challenges caused by the tensions in the Middle East.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), has said in a preliminary report that rationing could help stretch the country’s fuel supply and prevent hoarding during the crisis.

Further, the lawmaker said the proposed policy could remain in place until the country’s fuel supply becomes more stable.

Motorists should expect a breather next week with a round of pump price rollbacks after a series of mega fuel price hikes since the Middle East conflict broke out in February.

Citing results of Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) trading in the past four days, an oil industry source said the estimated reductions in pump prices are as follows:

• Diesel - P5.50 to P6.50 per liter
• Gasoline - unchanged to P1.00 per liter

— RSJ, GMA News