MANILA, Philippines -- Petron Corp., the country’s largest oil refiner and retailer, has assured consumers in northern Luzon with an ample supply of petroleum products, despite the difficulties in delivering them to areas largely battered by typhoon Pepeng.

In a statement, Petron chairman Ramon S. Ang said Petron has been tapping assistance from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help expedite the oil firm's deliveries.

"We are hoping that the DOE can help us with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local governments to give priority to these trucks so that we can provide fuel supply to the residents in Baguio at the soonest possible time," Ang said.

"Last night (Sunday), we received word that DPWH will open Kennon Road to light vehicles today (Monday) on a one-way mode (from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. going to Baguio) with a load limit of 10 tons. Our solution to the problem of keeping within the load limit is to underload three tank trucks with diesel and gasoline so that they will be able to make their way to Baguio through Kennon Road," Ang explained.

Petron's deliveries of petroleum products to North Luzon have been stalled since Friday (Oct.9) since all three roads leading to Baguio (Naguillan, Marcos Highway and Kennon) have been closed to traffic due to landslides.

"Additionally, we are re-supplying areas in Pangasinan as quickly as possible from our Limay Terminal in Bataan and Poro Depot in La Union. There are still some areas that are inaccessible due to flooding but our tank trucks are ready to deliver fuels as soon as the floodwaters recede," Ang further said.

Meanwhile, two oil companies exempted provinces in North Luzon from an oil price increase implemented Monday.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and independent player Seaoil Philippines have raised prices of their gasoline, diesel and kerosene by 25 centavos a liter.

According to the two oil companies, the latest price hike reflected an increase in the prices of petroleum products in the world market last week, compared to the previous week.

Due to the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng, Shell and Seaoil said the price adjustment would not take effect in affected areas including La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija and Abra.

Meanwhile, the Kilusang Mayo Uno slammed on Monday the oil companies for the latest oil price hike.

"Not content with keeping petroleum products overpriced, the oil cartel is using every slight price movement in the world market as excuse to "adjust" prices. The sight of an impoverished people further devastated by the combination of natural calamities and criminal government neglect does not hinder them from jacking up prices anew," KMU said in a statement.