Petron offers lower-priced LPG at government outlets

Petron Corp. started offering yesterday lower-priced liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at several government-run stores in Metro Manila.

Petron said the move is in support of the government’s call to help poor and indigent families afford basic commodities such as rice, noodles, sugar, and cooking gas.

President Arroyo and Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla were on hand to witness the launch of Petron’s lower-priced LPG program in Agham Road, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City.

Petron said it will start selling its Gasul LPG brand in eight Tindahan Natin outlets initially.

To be made available at the outlets are the standard household 11-kilogram (kg) Gasul cylinder, the 7-kg Gasulito and the 2.7-kg Gasulette. These products will be sold a few pesos cheaper than the prevailing retail prices.

The Tindahan Natin program was launched last month by President Arroyo and is part of the government’s initiative to expand its delivery of basic goods and services to the people by inviting micro-financing institutions to join the drive to render services to the poor.

Through the Tindahan Natin, the government ensures that poor families get access to low-priced basic food items specifically rice and fortified noodles.

"We share the concern of the government over the rising cost of LPG prices and this is our way of cushioning its impact and helping the poorest families," Petron chairman Nicasio I. Alcantara said.

Alcantara said "by bringing our LPG products closer to our consumers, it comes out cheaper and consequently, more affordable."

Cheaper Petron Gasul products will be sold at the following locations: Brgy. 177, Malibay, Pasay; 16 Daang Kalabaw, Manggahan, Pasig; Addition Hills and NCMH Compound, 9 de Pebrero, Mandaluyong; BCDA Centennial Village and Brgy. Ususan, C-5, Taguig; NBBS, Dagat-dagatan, Navotas; and Bagong Pag-asa, North Triangle, Quezon City.

Recognizing the differences in the spending capacity of its customers, Petron said it will release thousands of additional 2.7-kg cylinders into the market over the next few months.

"We wish to assure the public that Petron will continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable LPG products," Alcantara said.

Aside from its participation in the program, Petron is currently giving diesel discounts of P1 per liter to public transport groups in more than a hundred selected service stations nationwide.