Sunday, July 20, 2008 (Philippines)

DIESEL PRICES UP P24 PER LITER SINCE LAST YEAR. From P34.95 a liter on July 31, 2007, diesel prices have shot up to P58.94 on average so far this year. The only time prices dropped was on Feb. 26, when it hit P36.94. It’s all been uphill since then, Department of Energy records show. (Sun.Star Graphics/Jose Velez Jr./AFP Photo) A NEW task force of the justice and energy departments will summon the oil companies’ representatives tomorrow and ask them to explain why they raised diesel prices by P3 and gasoline prices by P1 a liter. Oil companies again raised prices yesterday, the 20th adjustment so far in 2008. They also raised the price of kerosene by P1.50 a liter. Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella now wants gas stations inspected at random to make sure they give customers the right amount of fuel. At the Capitol, Cebu Provincial Board (PB) Member Victor Maambong urged local government units (LGUs) to promote the use of bicycles instead of gas-guzzling vehicles. [full story]