Borongan LGU, DTI resolve abnormal fuel supply

By ALICE NICART with SAMMY CANDIDO (PIA Borongan)
November 19, 2006

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  “Let us help one another, support each other’s interests for the benefit of all Boronganons.” Thus, said Mrs. Eleanor Alido, DTI Provincial Chief here, in an urgent meeting, today, with Borongan municipal officials and representatives of Petron, Shell and Caltex companies.

Alido’s appeal was a positive and gentle reaction to an “out of stock” notice posted visibly by a gasoline station which caused apprehension among the motorists and vehicle operators in town. It likewise, resulted in a so-called chain reaction because motorists started swarming the two other gasoline stations in town.

The abnormal situation Thursday, prompted DTI to arrange for an urgent meeting Friday, with the owners of gasoline stations in order to ease out the problem and eventually help them address the situation, should the perceived shortage of fuel supply becomes a serious reality.

The proactive DTI officer stressed that one step to resolve a problem in gasoline supply would be a municipal ordinance which will effect equal rationing of the petroleum products. In the same light, she expressed hope that an out of stock notice should no longer be posted as it would be disheartening to know that so and so was penalized for an offense, the Lady DTI officer jibed.

It must never occur, Alido said, because RA 8180 so prescribes that any gasoline station must maintain a certain level of inventory before their stock is totally spent. It was learned later however, that the notice was relatively inaccurate and people need not overly react so as to stand up in a long queue to avail of fuel.

Mr. Sonny Uy of Borongan Caltex admitted though, that they almost run out of stock due to the abrupt increase of customers. However, the young manager assured that the problem at hand was just an isolated case. Further, he ascertained that the delivery of supply is underway and that normal operations can be expected soon. He also called on the public not to expect instant reduction of prices as soon as television networks announce price rollbacks. The stations must wait for the official order from the company supervisors who are stationed in Tacloban City.