Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE)-Visayas Field Office announced a 15-day price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cylinders and kerosene products in Bacolod City. The measure has been enacted following the declaration of a state of calamity due to a red-striped soft scale insect infestation affecting the city's sugarcane farms.

According to Philippines News Agency, the price freeze is implemented in accordance with Bacolod City Council Resolution 887, which was passed on August 5. The resolution was a response to the pest outbreak compromising a significant portion of the city's sugarcane fields. From August 6 to 20, the prices of household LPG and kerosene will remain at levels prior to the state of calamity declaration.

The DOE-Visayas public advisory emphasized that while any price rollback will be allowed, increases are strictly prohibited during the 15-day period. The price freeze specifically applies to LPG cylinders weighing 11 kg or less.

Mayor Greg Gasataya, on August 4, highlighted the severity of the situation in a letter to the City Council. He noted that the infestation has impacted 2,000 hectares, equating to approximately 65.45 percent of the sugarcane plantations in Bacolod.

The City Agriculture Office has estimated the damage at PHP200 million. The crisis has affected 350 sugarcane farmers and 2,000 farm workers across a total farm area of around 2,000 hectares, underscoring the necessity of the city's current measures.