The Department of Energy (DOE) imposed a price freeze on household energy products in Negros Occidental after the province was placed in a state of calamity due to the impacts of the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

In a notice, the DOE said the freeze on prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cylinders of 11 kg and less, as well as kerosene products, across the province will be in effect until December 27 2024.

Furthermore, the price freeze in the city of Bago, which declared a state of calamity on Monday, December 16, will be maintained until December 30.

During a price freeze, price increases for the products mentioned are strictly prohibited within 15 days.

Kanlaon Volcano had an explosive eruption on December 9, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to raise its status to alert level 3.

At alert level 3, there is a high level of volcanic unrest. Magmatic intrusion into the shallow levels of the structure is causing unrest, with indications that a dangerous eruption could occur within weeks.

Possible volcano hazards include sudden explosive eruption, lava flow or outpouring, ashfall, pyroclastic density current (PDC), rockfall, and lahars during heavy rains. —Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News