The joint task force on oil composed of the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department of Energy (DoE) has recommended to lift the freeze order on fuel prices in Luzon.

DoJ Secretary Agnes Devanadera announced last night that the task force had recommended to lift the freeze order after the National Disaster Coordinating Council lifted the state of calamity in Luzon.

“There is no need anymore for the oil price freeze,” she said.

Devanadera said the recommendation had been forwarded to President Arroyo who would make the final decision whether to lift Executive Order No. 839 which froze fuel prices to their levels as of October 15.

Devanadera said the recommendation to lift the freeze order on fuel prices was formed after consultations with oil firms on the effects of the freeze order on their business operations and to the public, like the possible shortage in the supply of oil. (David Cagahastian)