COUNCILOR Michael Lawana has sought an inquiry on the effects of the alleged discrepancies on the pricing of fuel in the city as compared to nearby areas.
In a proposed resolution, Lawana asked the City Council to invite the heads of local public transport groups, business organizations particularly owners or managers of gasoline stations operating in the city, the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR) and other concerned private groups and individuals to share their thoughts on the issue.
“Talk is rife that petroleum products in Baguio City are exceedingly priced compared to pump prices in nearby local government units in the Cordilleras, Regions 1, 2 and 3,” Lawana said.
“Citing in example are nearby municipalities like Tuba, Buguias, La Trinidad, Rosario, San Fernando etc., where it has been observed that pump prices are relatively and comparatively lower by several pesos than in Baguio City,” Lawana added.
The local lawmaker said with the inquiry, they hope to establish how the alleged fuel prices divergences affect end-users in the city in line with mandated thrust of the local government to protect and promote the general welfare of its inhabitants under section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991.
He said that based on the outcome of the meeting, he also intends to invited in another dialogue the concerned agencies and local fuel providers to shed light and address the observed difference in pricing.
Lawana’s proposal will be discussed in the city council soon. (Aileen Refuerzo/PIO)