CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As skyrocketing fuel prices squeeze the local economy, the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (Oro Chamber) is summoning major oil distributors for a critical dialogue to address supply stability and mounting business pressures.

Oro Chamber Chairman Irene Floro announced on March 20 that the organization has sent letters to major industry players — including Petron, Caltex, and Shell — inviting them to an open forum.

“We wrote them inviting all three major companies for an open discussion on inventory status and whether supply can keep up,” Floro said.

Floro emphasized the Chamber’s growing concern over volatile prices, noting that the ongoing crisis challenges not just consumers, but the oil companies and distributors themselves. The rising costs are heavily impacting local business operations, crippling logistics, and placing immense pressure on retailers.

Oro Chamber Chairman Irene Floro discussing the impact of the oil crisis on Cagayan de Oro businesses.
CALLING FOR COLLABORATION. Oro Chamber Chairman Irene Floro emphasizes the shared economic burden resulting from the current oil crisis affecting Cagayan de Oro. Floro is spearheading a multi-sector dialogue involving major oil companies and government agencies like the DOE and DTI to navigate the region's escalating fuel crisis. (Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig)

“Gasoline station operators themselves are struggling to maintain inventory,” she added.

To broaden the discussion, the Chamber has also invited representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to join the forum.

The economic strain reaches far beyond corporate boardrooms, hitting the streets of Cagayan de Oro directly. Alan Suarez, a public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver from Lapasan, explained that the unrelenting price hikes have so severely impacted his livelihood that he could not even afford to participate in a recent transport strike.

“Bug-at kaayo gyud. Kagahapon gani, gi byahi gyapon ko kay lisod ug makaabsent kog isa ka adlaw pag-drive. Wala koy pondo, akong kita mao ray among ipalit sa pagkaon,” Suarez said.

In light of these shared struggles, Floro appealed to the public for patience, pointing out that local oil dealers are equally constrained by supply chain issues and corporate pricing dictates. Just like any other sector, fuel dealers face strict financial obligations and must constantly infuse more capital just to keep their pumps running.

“Kini sinabtanay lang sa ta, dili ta masuko sa mga dealers kay the dealers are also suffering. Every price increase raises their capital cost,” she said.