THE Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a reminder to all sellers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in areas that are under a state of calamity that there should be a price freeze effected there.

This meant that the price freeze will be effective within 15 days from the declaration of the state of calamity.

The DOE said that the violators are facing imprisonment ranging from one to 10 years.

They will also be meted fines of P5,000 to P 1 million.

Price rollbacks are allowed, however price hikes are not prohibited in concerned areas as stated in the Price Act.

Among those that are under a state of calamity was declared in Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, and Cavite Province due to the outbreak of pertussis. 

Likewise, San Andres, Romblon is also under a state of calamity due to the El Niño impact.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had earlier enforced a price freeze on essential commodities in two towns in Oriental Mindoro also due to the effects of El Niño.

The said price freeze covers the municipalities of Bulalacao and Mansalay, which have earlier been declared under state of calamity due to drought.

It will be in effect for 60 days, covering basic necessities such as canned fish, processed milk, coffee, laundry detergents, soap, bread, and bottled water, among others.