DOE: Use Energy Wisely As World Price Fluctuates

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Recent world events have once again caused the increase of oil prices in the local market. The Department of Energy (DOE) has observed the continuing decline of oil production by members of the Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as by countries outside of OPEC.

Saudi Arabia, with its large contribution to world oil supply, has steadily reduced its crude oil production by 336,000 barrels per day (B/D) this March, bringing the total OPEC reduction to around 1.6 million B/D as of March 2019. Further cuts on exported crude oil from Saudi Arabia are expected in April 2019, with the announced reduction of an additional 635,000 B/D.

Actions by the United States, with the imposed sanctions on Venezuela and Iran have also affected world oil prices including the impending Iran export waiver expiring in April, affecting a further reduction of crude oil supply by around 1.1 million B/D. This has already resulted in recent cuts of U.S. oil reserves, causing the overall increase in crude prices.

In the East Asian region, scheduled shutdowns due to the maintenance of oil processing facilities in Japan (JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy) and China (Sinopec) are also expected to contribute in the further reduction of oil supply.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “The nation, along with the majority of the globe, is facing the realities of socio-political turmoil in oil-producing countries, which, sadly, results in fluctuations of oil prices. I cannot stress enough that, as an oil importing country, our market is susceptible to these effects, and it is up to us as a nation how we handle this challenge.”


ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSUMER POWER OF CHOICE

Meanwhile, Energy Chief reiterated that despite the price adjustments in the world market, the consumers must continue to utilize energy efficiently and exercise their power of choice to enhance more competition in the retail level.

“The retail prices and services per retail station are different. Our consumers must compare the prices and services and choose the retail station that provides the best products and services that suit their needs,” Secretary Cusi explained.

He added, “Everyone must be aware of their respective energy consumption habits and continue to observe an energy efficient lifestyle, whether we have fuel price increases or not.”

“The DOE will continue its oil price and fuel quality monitoring activities,” the Energy Secretary concluded.

E-powered EnerKids

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The Department of Energy – Consumer and Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) in partnership with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) conducted an Energy Consumer Education for Students, known as “EnerSmart” on Tuesday (19 March) at the DOE Training Room.

Around 30 Grade 5 EnerKids from the different GSP Councils of Lipa City, Batangas, and Pangasinan attended the lecture to appreciate the value of energy in their everyday lives.

Students were shown various rock samples to illustrate the process of energy resource development. Thereafter, they had the opportunity to visit and explore the lighting and appliance testing, geoscientific research and fuel testing laboratories.

The activity was concluded with the EnerKids’ Pledge of commitment to adopt energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi places the EnerSmart program as an important activity of the DOE in order to increase the awareness of younger generation Filipinos on the importance of energy in their lives. “We want our children to participate in public debates on national energy programs and policies,” Sec. Cusi stated. 

“Our strategic partnership with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines will accelerate the awareness and will further empower the country's young women and children on energy matters,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

PHL Remains in IMO White List

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines remains in full compliance with the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended, of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as signified by the country’s continued inclusion in the “IMO White List.”

The so-called “White List” refers to a list of parties confirmed by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to have communicated information that demonstrates the full and complete effect that is given to the relevant provisions of the STCW.

The incontrovertible proof of this compliance is the MSC Circular (MSC.1/Circ.1163/Rev.11) published on 14 December 2018, which categorically includes the Philippines in the list of STCW-compliant parties.

In this regard, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) maintain that reports on the Philippines’ alleged exclusion from the IMO White List are without factual and sufficient basis.

We caution the public against efforts to generate undue panic to the country’s over 400,000 seafarers and their families.

Even as the Philippines’ inclusion in the White List is confirmed, the DOTr-MARINA continues to assure all stakeholders that it is exerting maximum efforts to maintain its status of compliance with IMO standards.

In fact, pursuant to its mandate, the MARINA will be attending the Sixth Session of IMO’s Sub-Committee on HTW on 29 April to 3 May 2019 in London, United Kingdom, as part of the Philippine delegation to bolster our position in the White List.

The DOTr-MARINA bears paramount pride in the world-class qualities of our maritime workforce, and will do its utmost to secure the viability of livelihood of our seafarers.

We remain positive in maintaining our seafarers’ standards of service as a prime reflection of Philippine maritime excellence.