LPG, fuel supply assured amid typhoon aftermath

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured an adequate supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuels nationwide in the aftermath of Typhoon Lando.

In a statement yesterday, the DOE said it received reports LPG suppliers and oil companies only sustained minimal damages to their facilities from the onslaught of the typhoon.

However, oil companies said some gas stations in flooded areas would have to clear debris and check their pumps prior to the resumption of their operations.

“Supply remains sufficient for petroleum products. However, gas stations in areas without power may still be suspended inasmuch as electricity is needed for gasoline pumps to function,” DOE OIC- Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

The DOE said it is coordinating with electric cooperatives to prioritize the restoration of power to gas stations to ensure continuity of works in the affected areas.

“We are closely coordinating with the oil industry for the stable supply of petroleum products and resumption of retail activities to restore normalcy in businesses and households as quickly as possible,” Monsada noted.

Meanwhile, as part of its mandate to ensure sufficiency and reliability of the nationwide electric power supply, the DOE is enjoining all stakeholders to render support and assistance in safeguarding power facilities of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) from any obstructions that would affect the continuous supply of electricity to all households and establishments.

“We appeal particularly to the local government units and land owners to cooperate with the NGCP, the concessionaire of the national transmission lines, in resolving the transmission issues on right of way and easements,” Monsada said.

On Monday, the NGCP said landowners in various areas refused to allow their crew members to enter their premises to clear fallen trees and vegetation that pose a threat to the safe and reliable operation of the power lines.

NGCP also reported difficulty in seeking permission to cut trees under transmission lines that eventually cause trippings of lines.

Last Oct. 17, its Agus 2-Kibawe Line 1 tripped because of a fallen tree cutting the NGCP line conductors.

If the remaining NGCP line – the Agus 2-Kibawe Line 2 – trips, this may result in the isolation of the Agus Units 1 and 2 connected to the affected lines.

NGCP said the Mindanao grid may suffer additional one to two hours of rotational brownouts on top of the power shortage the grid is currently experiencing.

“To prevent unwarranted power supply disruptions and avoid power-related incidents to occur, distribution utilities and NGCP should be given right to access or traverse designated area of the real property to ensure that potential hazards are proactively managed before they encroached on the power lines,” Monsada said.