A rollback in oil prices by as much as P0.45 per liter loomed large yesterday given the price movement in the world market, according to Unioil Philippines.
“Expect fuel prices to have mix movement next week (March 23 to 29). Diesel should go down by P0.35 to P0.45 per liter. Gasoline should have no price change,” Unioil Philippines said.
World oil prices declined due to rising coronavirus cases in Europe which could affect global demand.
Europe has recorded deaths close to a million and around 40 million confirmed cases. Some areas have also announced fresh lockdowns.
The latest rollback came as cutback on the oil price increase enforced by oil players on March 16 of P1.25 per liter for gasoline, P0.90 per liter for diesel and P0.85 per liter for kerosene.
This resulted in the year-to-date adjustments to a net increase of P7.35 per liter for gasoline, P6.25 per liter for diesel and P5.35 per liter for kerosene, according to Department of Energy (DOE) data.
Meanwhile, DOE has come out with the draft policy framework on the guidelines for the development, establishment and operation of the electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).
Prior to initial engagement in the proposed activity or prior to the construction of the EVCS facilities, DOE said any person/entity who may own, establish, and operate EVCS and in any similar activities should file a notice with the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) with permits and licenses from relevant government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs).
DOE said all electrical-related components of the EVCS shall be compliant to Section 5 of the draft circular for the welfare of the user from any electrical-related incidents.
Compliance includes a listed system of protection against electric shock of personnel and classification according to the charging modes and functions for energy transfer to EVs in accordance with the existing Philippine National Standards.
Consistent with previous circulars DC2017-11-0011 and DC2020-12-0026, DOE said private and public buildings and establishments including retail outlets may designate dedicated parking slots that will be installed with EVCS for the use and charging of EVs.
It said the owner of the private/public building, establishment, or retail outlets of liquid fuels may allow a third-party charging station provider to install, operate, and/or maintain the charging station, or enter any other contractual arrangement with such third-party charging station service provider in fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms provided the third party charging station provider complies with the requirements of the circular.
The location of the EVCS on dedicated parking slots and retail outlets shall display proper energy labels, road signs, protocol signs, and pavement marking.
DOE said all public and private charging stations may be allowed to impose and collect reasonable charging fees, subject to future laws on EVCS and guidelines to be issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission and/or other relevant government agencies.
The agency said it may issue separate issuances on the safe operation and performance of other EVCS infrastructure intended for charging/refueling fuel-cell vehicles powered by hydrogen or other non-conventional emerging fuels.
EVCS are subject to review and updates and authorized inspectors from the EUMB or its authorized representatives shall undertake random and unannounced inspections to conduct, among others, checking of charging station and market monitoring to verify presence of EVCS’ labeling and marking requirements as required in draft circular.
DOE through EUMB may certify and endorse to the Department of Trade-Board of Investments any person/entity that intends to engage in any activity related to the development, establishment, and operation of EVCS in the Philippines for the availment of fiscal incentives as provided under EO 226.
The agency adopted and confirmed the Philippine EV Policy Analysis Report from DTI showing that EVs have the lowest energy cost compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are mostly gasoline-fueled.
DOE said among the key strategies for the EV adoption is to formulate installation standards and permitting protocols for EV charging, and requirements on the adoption of EVs and EVCS.
It said the emerging EV technology presents opportunities for improving energy efficiency of transportation in support of the government’s energy independence agenda.
DOE said there is a need to consolidate and harmonize all existing issuances to ensure the safe, efficient operations and system reliability, and to accelerate investments in EVCs in the country.
