CPC to Keep Gas Prices Unchanged in November, Absorbing Cost to Protect Livelihoods

CPC Corporation, Taiwan officially announced today that, effective immediately through midnight tonight, the prices for November domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, bottled gas), industrial propane, butane, mixed propane-butane, and automotive LPG will remain unchanged. This decision takes effect immediately, maintaining the current price levels in the market to prevent any additional burden on consumers and businesses caused by price fluctuations.

LPG price adjustments are typically determined by CPC based on international oil prices, import costs, exchange rate fluctuations, domestic supply and demand conditions, and relevant government policies, and are publicly announced through a price adjustment notice. Over the past few months, international crude oil prices have experienced fluctuations. While rising oil prices have sometimes driven up gas costs, CPC also considers the overall market absorption capacity and social demand to prevent excessive price surges. The decision not to adjust prices this time indicates that the company has already absorbed cost risks in the prior period and regards price stability as its responsibility to the market.

According to the company's latest data, as of the end of October this year, LPG products have accumulated approximately NTD 13.7 billion in absorbed costs. This figure represents costs that CPC absorbed internally rather than directly passing on to consumers when costs rose. The NTD 13.7 billion absorption amount is a considerable sum, demonstrating the company's financial flexibility and risk management capabilities when facing international oil price fluctuations. Comparing this figure with absorption amounts from the same period in previous years shows that CPC has progressively optimized its cost control and market adjustment measures in recent years.

Why did CPC choose not to adjust prices at this time? One of the main reasons is that the international crude oil market has recently shown a relatively stable trend; despite short-term fluctuations, the overall downward trend remains. Additionally, domestic oil import costs have not generated significant upward pressure due to a relatively stable exchange rate. Furthermore, the government encourages energy price stability in its energy policies to alleviate the cost of living for the public, particularly low-income households and small businesses. Therefore, CPC's decision not to adjust prices during this period aligns with both corporate social responsibility and national energy policy.

For consumers, maintaining unchanged prices directly reduces household gas expenditures, especially amidst persistent inflationary pressures, as stable energy prices provide a degree of economic cushion. For the industrial and automotive markets, price stability also prevents fluctuations in production costs and maintains the stable operation of the industrial chain. From a macroeconomic perspective, stable energy prices help curb overall price increases, maintain the quality of life for citizens, and preserve corporate competitiveness.

In summary, CPC's decision to leave LPG prices unchanged for November, alongside its cumulative absorption of NTD 13.7 billion in costs, demonstrates that the company possesses mature mechanisms in cost management and market adjustment. This move not only safeguards the interests of consumers and businesses but also meets the stability requirements of national energy policy. If international oil prices continue to fluctuate in the future, CPC will closely monitor market trends and make corresponding adjustments as appropriate to uphold the shared interests of the market and society. (Source: Central News Agency)