Consumer group leader asks PCC, DoJ to probe fuel price movements

A MEMBER of an international consumer advocacy group has requested the Philippine Competition Commission and the Department of Justice to investigate whether the movement of fuel prices are “in compliance with the law.” The complaint was submitted by Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, president of consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer, Inc. and a former Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary. In his June 12 letter addressed to the agencies, Mr. Dimagiba said he believes “consumers need to be informed whether the market behavior and the retail prices of fuel products are in order and in compliance with law.” He noted that based on his observation, retail prices across several oil stations are adjusted upward or downward weekly “in similar or identical amounts,” while some also offer discounts of up to P3 per liter for all products. “I wonder whether the retail prices of fuel products are higher [than] what it should be, so much so that despite big time price hikes or big time price roll backs, there are also big time price discounts,” Mr. Dimagiba said in his complaint. — Janina C. Lim