TAGUIG CITY – The Department of Energy (DoE) is appealing to the public to prudently use energy amid the increase of prices of petroleum products in the world market and in the country.

Recent political events in Venezuela, along with the waiving on the sanctions on Iran expiring on April, caused prices to steadily increase affecting the local market, according to the DoE.

“We are imploring the public to be conscious of their energy and fuel usage, especially during these times, as world oil prices are steadily climbing to high levels due to economic and geopolitical factors which we are bound to experience as an oil importing country. But even if oil prices go down, it is imperative that we embrace the efficient way of using our energy resources,“ said DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Saturday.

Cusi added, “We would like to remind fellow Filipinos that we are responsible for our individual actions. If we come together with the common goal of energy conservation through energy efficiency, we can achieve a lot in terms of immediate in-pocket savings and energy sustainability in the long term.”

As part of its initiatives that will provide sufficient energy sources and guide lawmakers in examining the current policies that may affect the DoE’s plans and programs, the Department consulted oil industry players on a policy for more information and unbundling for items that affect the prices of petroleum products.

“It is in times like this that we should do our roles, from consumers to industry players, to be of service to one another. We are seeking everyone’s cooperation as the government works to address the nation’s energy needs. We aim for transparency at every turn so that we can give the people the best products for their value,” Cusi said.