Arroyo Lifts Oil Price Freeze In Luzon

November 18, 2009 10:15 p.m. EST

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Following the order by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo price controls on basic commodities and oil prices are lifted across Luzon.

Prices of fuel and basic goods have been placed under government control following the country being battered by two major typhoons in October.

Diesel rose by 4 cents to (P2) liter, gasoline by 3 to 3.2 cents (P1.25 to P1.50) and kerosene by 3.2 cents (P1.50). Liquefied petroleum gas also went up by 4 cents (P2) a kilogram.

The oil price hike took effect right after Tuesday midnight. Arroyo issued Executive Order 845, which lifted EO 839 that froze oil prices in Luzon and other flood-affected areas.

The EO extended fuel price discounts to residents of areas still suffering from the floods. These are in Benguet, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Eastern Laguna, Rizal, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Isabela, Cainta, Marikia City, Malabon and Pasig City.