LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Gas stations in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay have temporarily halted operations due to a fuel shortage after supply trucks were stranded due to flooding brought by severe tropical storm "Kristine."
Motorists are grappling for fuel in gasoline stations.
On Monday afternoon, Oct. 28, almost all gasoline stations in Naga City and nearby Pili town, Camarines Sur were closed due to shortage while in Albay, only few are open due to flooding in the towns of San Fernando, Milaor, and Naga City where the Maharlika Highway is still congested.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez said that an initial 11 fuel tankers each loaded with approximately 20,000 liters of gasoline and seven tankers each loaded with 180 11-kilogram Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders arrived in the Bicol region late Monday afternoon.
"Huwag mabahala! (Do not be alarmed) This delivery replenishes fuel and LPG supplies to support emergency response operations and economic activities in the area," Chavez said.
He said that this is part of the Department of Energy's (DOE) fuel caravan.
"Fuel is a critical lifeline to emergency response operations and economic activities in the region and the Department of Energy (DOE) is responding swiftly and strategically through its ‘Fuel Caravan’ initiative. This ensures that emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and rescue trucks, have the necessary fuel to operate effectively. Each lorry can provide a full tank of fuel for up to 400 ambulances, significantly enhancing the capacity of emergency services to respond to urgent need. The DOE appreciates the joint efforts on the ground of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) personnel for facilitating the Fuel Caravan and traffic management," he said.
Some businesses such as fast food, water refilling stations, and other small businesses in Camarines Sur and Albay temporarily shut down operations due to shortage of supplies.
Rhea, who owns a water refilling station in Legazpi City, had to stop operations after due to a shortage of gasoline for her delivery vehicles.
Department of Trade in Industry (DTI)-Bicol Director Dindo Nabol said that price freeze on essential goods is being enforced in areas declared under a state of calamity due to Kristine.
Camarines Sur and Albay are under state of calamity.