The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the proposed price cap on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) should be decided by the Department of Energy (DOE), citing the latter’s regulatory jurisdiction over the sector.
In a message to reporters, the office of Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, quoting the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), said monitoring and mapping of LPG cylinder prices fall under the DOE’s mandate.
The clarification comes after Sherwin Gatchalian called on both agencies to consider imposing a price cap, warning of a potential increase of P35 to P40 per 11-kilogram cylinder by April. He said the projected hike could further strain household budgets and raise costs for small businesses.
While the DTI chairs the National Price Coordinating Council, the FTEB said the DOE, as the implementing agency for LPG, should take the lead in both price monitoring and any move to enforce a cap.
LPG is classified as a basic necessity and is subject to suggested retail prices, but not automatic price controls.
Roque said the DTI is coordinating with the DOE on the proposal and will provide updates once a decision is finalized.
Industry estimates point to further price pressures.
The LPG Marketers Association said suggested retail prices in Luzon could climb to between P1,450 and P1,500 per cylinder by next week, with levels beyond P1,500 considered elevated. In the Visayas and Mindanao, prices may reach as high as P1,600, driven largely by rising shipping costs.
Gatchalian also cited Republic Act No. 10623, which allows the government to impose price controls during emergency situations to curb excessive increases.
