Energy dept. warns of more hikes in fuel prices in Oct., Nov.

Energy officials are advising the public to brace for more oil price increases in the next few months as demand by countries for fuel is expected to rise as the winter season starts in October and November. Last Tuesday, Philippine Information Agency director general Renato Velasco said world fuel prices have been hitting record highs and currently pegged at US$70 per barrel and may increase by October or November when winter season starts. Countries that experience winter use more fuel during winter for their heaters.

On the other hand, the Philippines is dependent on imported oil so an increase in the prices of oil in the global market will have an adverse impact and spiraling effect on the country's economy. Velasco, who was in Bohol during the convention of the government information officers in Central Visayas, said that the emerging energy crisis is worse than the political crisis facing the country. He appealed to the information officers and the officials of the local government units in the region to help the national government make the people understand that any government program or policy does not bring about the oil crisis.

Velasco is encouraging consumers to practice oil conservation and austerity measures to mitigate the impact of the surging oil prices. - Wenna A. Berondo