NO partial lifting of the oil price freeze in Luzon even as Malacañang ordered to ensure the protection of consumers’ rights and interests’ with the projected increase in prices of liquefied petroleum gas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President has ordered Trade Secretary Peter Favila to look into the reported hike in LPG prices in  Visayas and Mindanao and ensure that it is justified.

Remonde said the DTI should ensure that the consumers’ rights and interests are protected and exercise their powers within the law in case the price hikes would be proven unreasonable.

Reports earlier said that giant oil player Petron Corporation will increase the prices of its liquefied petroleum gas in Visayas and Mindanao.

In a text message, the company said the P3.50 per kilogram increase took effect 6 a.m. yesterday.

The adjustment was implemented to “reflect the rise in LPG contract prices for the month of November.”

Remonde said he has talked with Justice Secretary Agnes Denavadera who belied issuing remarks that Malacañang is considering partial lifting of the freeze order in Luzon.

He also slammed the painting of grim scenarios by big oil firms as he appealed to their conscience and social responsibility by complying with the freeze order amid the state of calamity.

LPG prices in Luzon, meanwhile, will remain unchanged in accordance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Executive Order 839, which puts a freeze order on oil prices in areas devastated by cyclones.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, meanwhile, said Malacañang is considering a partial lifting of the freeze order in Luzon. Efren Montano