Conserve fuel, DoE urges public

MANILA, Philippines—As global oil prices continue to soar, the Department of Energy (DoE) is urging the public to do its share in conserving fuel, saying this will not only help cut the country’s costly oil imports, but will also redound into savings for everyone.

Such conservation measures are being advocated by the DoE as threats of possible supply disruptions loom given the incessant unrest in some oil-producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

To further stress the need for fuel conservation, the DoE said it should be noted that global oil prices were seen to continue to escalate and analysts see no signs of respite, unless the tensions overseas are abated.

Since the Philippines imports most of its fuel requirements, price movements in the international market are proportionately reflected on local pump prices. And because the Philippines has a deregulated oil industry, the government cannot intervene and control prices, unless a national emergency will be declared by the President.

“Everyone is affected by the oil supply situation and the recent spikes in petroleum products but we can take part in creating solutions,” the DoE said.

The DoE has suggested the following measures to help conserve fuel:

For one, car owners may choose to go carpooling with family and friends when going to work or school. Doing this even just once a week may result in savings of as much as P320 every month.

Always ensure that your tires have the correct gauge pressure to save about 5 to 10 percent on your daily gas consumption. By doing so, vehicle owners may be able to save as much as P164 every month.

Organize travels by destination to maximize each trip. Every kilometer off a trip may save a motorist at least P6.

Avoid “idling” or keeping engines running while parked for a long period. Two liters of fuel are wasted for each hour that a car is left “idle.” It is best to turn off your engines if you expect to wait for more than three minutes.

Avoid revving up your engines and sudden accelerations, as this would help save P7 a day. Increasing speed slowly from start-up will add one kilometer mileage to every liter consumed.