LPG Shortage Or LPG Hoarding?

The last time I bought LPG tank was last year, December 15 at 360 pesos. It was again empty and need to be replaced last Wednesday. Would you believe that I can’t find a store to buy one? Some displayed a signboard “NO GAS“.

I went back in Thursday since my Auntie already bought one from my suking LPG dealer. The seller told me that he will sell me the following day. He told me he already promised the limited stocks he had in the store to other costumers. Ok, fine. Another day without LPG will be fine, I guess. I ask him how much so that I know when he deliver the LPG to my home the following day. What? it costs 600 pesos now. I think its overpriced already since I just saw Shell station’s stocks of Shellane LPG at 482 per tank on my way home. I’m using Argas LPG.

Changing my LPG tank would mean buying another set of regulator and LPG tank if I want to. But I’m not sure what regulator to be use on Shellane tank. I assume that the Shellane LPG I saw were for LPG operated vehicles such as taxi and cars. Then when I watched TV Patrol in Friday, Vice President Noli de Castro told DOE (Department of Energy) to tighter watch against traders and hoarders. Correct me if I’m wrong, there were news in the past that LPG tank price will increase in February. I don’t think there’s a shortage, from distributors, traders to small time dealers are hoarding their supplies to wait for official price increase of LPG tanks.

For his part, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes on Thursday said supply of cooking gas will normalize starting Monday next week with fresh deliveries from oil companies of around 23,000 metric tons.

The LPG Marketers Association, however, warned the problem could last until next month. LPGMA also said prices will go up by P5 per kilogram next month due to the $100-increase in LPG contract price in the world market. - taken here

First, rice shortage. Now, LPG hoarding. Are we there yet? Who’s to blame? Us, the consumers?

Feb. 2, 2009 update: I already bought one for php 625. Do I have a choice?