Baguio Solon urged oil companies to lower fuel prices

August 11, 2019 Metro BLISTT

Representative Mark Go of the Lone District of Baguio questioned the high prices of gasoline and diesel in his district before the members of Congress last Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

In his privilege speech, Go highlighted the glaring disparity of fuel pump prices in Baguio and in the neighboring towns of La Union, currently averaging at 5 pesos for diesel and 6 pesos for gasoline.

“The price of oil products in Baguio must immediately be brought down to what is fair and reasonable, reflective only of the circumstantial differences between Baguio and the lowlands, leaving no room for unjust pricing.” Go said.

According to Go, the slim difference in distances covered when transporting fuel from a common source in Poro Point, La Union, to Baguio and its neighboring towns in the lowlands, does not justify such manifest price disparity.

Furthermore, the congressmen pointed out that the presence of major and independent players, and the state of Baguio’s economy should have sustained a comparable degree of competition that would temper the volatility of oil pricing.

The congressman lamented the adverse effects of high fuel prices on local trade and production in his district and echoed the sentiments of the public on rising prices of commodities and taxi and PUV fare hikes.

Last July 10, 2019, the Baguio solon filed House Resolution No. 44, directing the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry on the alleged disparity and overpricing of fuel prices in Northern Luzon, aimed at lowering said prices.

Rep. Go called on his fellow congressmen to step in and take immediate action to alleviate the situation in Baguio. “Let us dignify the right of consumers to a fair and reasonable access to oil products.” Go said.