Lawmaker: Fuel rationing would be an ‘extreme measure’ at this time

MANILA — Rationing fuel would be an "extreme measure" since the country still has 50 days of fuel in its inventory, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who opposes the proposal, said. 

He said, however, that government can establish a mechanism on when rationing would be triggered. 

“Ang kailangan pong pagpasyahan at this point, ano po ba ‘yung dapat po nga gawin ng gobyerno? Kasi syempre, it is a bit of an extreme measure already to ensure supply. I think ‘yung reports naman po ng Department of Energy as of yesterday, mataas pa naman po at acceptable pa ho ‘yung level of supply that we have currently,” Ridon said on Wednesday.

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He said that other countries would begin rationing fuel when reserves reach aorund 10-15 days' worth.

“I think the average is still at around 50 days. So tingin ko po, hindi pa naman dapat mag-resort dito po sa a bit of an extreme measure such as fuel rationing,” Ridon added.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian earlier said the government should implement fuel rationing to conserve energy stocks.

"I know it's unpopular, I know it might cause panic," Gatchalian said, arguing, however, that waiting until inventory is lower would risk doing it too late.

But Ridon said discussions on rationing could prompt panic buying by the public.

He said government could consider purchase limits based on how much fuel a vehicle would need on a weekly basis.

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"So ibig sabihin, para kumbaga kung hindi naman niya kailangan mag-full tank that entire week, puwede nga i-cap muna ‘yun, for example, to half of ‘yun pong kanilang fuel tanks," Ridon said.

CUTTING BACK ON CONVOYS

Ridon also agreed with Gatchalian’s recommendation for fellow politicians to do away with traveling in convoys.

For the congressman, this would not make a “real impact,” but would be a symbolic move for high-ranking government officials to show they are one with Filipinos amid the rising prices.

“Dapat ho wala na hong mga convoy tsaka wala nang mga hagad ‘yung mga politiko,” Ridon said.