DTI CL assures enough supply of medical-grade oxygen

TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured the public that there is no shortage of medical-grade oxygen in Central Luzon. 
 
Regional Director Leonila Baluyut said the agency continuously monitors supply as it is one of the important life-saving commodities against COVID-19. 
 
Bulacan Provincial Director Edna Dizon disclosed that Central Luzon’s eight manufacturers can produce a total of 3,945 50-lb cylinder tanks per day. 
 
“With the daily production rate, there is enough to supply the demands of the region. Not only in the region but we are also a major supplier of medical oxygen in the National Capital Region, Western Visayas, and Mindanao,” Dizon furthered.
 
Per Department of Health, oxygen supply at 3,945 is higher compared to a demand at 3,420 as of May 2022.
 
“As to the inventory of the cylinder tanks, dealers and re-fillers own most the tanks at 65,714. Local government units, on the other hand, have 3,358 tanks while retailers own 26,085,” Dizon shared.
 
Current price in the region ranges from P6,300 to P13,000 for a new 50-lb cylinder with oxygen, and from P300 to P1,000 for a refill. 
 
Prices vary depending on which province it was purchased. 
 
Meanwhile, DTI reiterates that there is enough supply on other medical essentials such as alcohol, face masks, nebulizer kits, sterile gloves, and infra-red non-contact thermometers. 

(CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)