The Department of Energy (DOE), with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has increased the monitoring of fuel retail outlets across Mindanao to ensure compliance with fuel pricing regulations and protect consumers from illegal price increases.

The inspections are being conducted by the DOE Mindanao Field Office together with PNP units in Tagum City and Davao City as part of broader efforts to maintain transparency and stability in the sale of petroleum products amidst volatile global markets.

During one of the inspections in Tagum City, authorities observed that a retail station had increased its diesel pump price earlier than the prescribed schedule for fuel price movements.

The pump price of diesel at the station rose by PHP 8.35 per liter, from PHP 64.85 to PHP 73.20 per liter as of March 5.

After verification, inspectors determined that the station implemented the price adjustment ahead of the official schedule. The station was to immediately revert to the proper price level in accordance with the correct implementation of the fuel price adjustment schedule.

The DOE said joint monitoring activities began on Thursday and will continue across various parts of Mindanao in the coming days.

Field offices in Luzon and Visayas have also intensified inspections of retail gasoline stations to ensure strict compliance with existing fuel pricing regulations and supply policies.

The monitoring follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s warning against businesses exploiting the current fuel market situation due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“Patuloy na mino-monitor ng pamahalaan ang presyo ng bilihin sa mga pamilihan upang matiyak na walang mananamantala sa sitwasyong ito. Nakikiusap ako sa mga negosyante at mga traders, huwag ninyo sanang samantalahan ang sitwasyong ito. Pinapaalala ko sa lahat na ang hoarding at ang profiteering ay labag sa batas,” Marcos said.

Authorities have recently intensified oversight of the downstream oil industry following reports of alleged fuel hoarding and profiteering at a gas station in Cebu, which prompted further enforcement actions across the entire sector.

The DOE said the inspections form part of routine regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring fuel retailers follow established rules that protect both consumers and legitimate businesses in the petroleum industry.

The agency also urged the public to report suspected cases of hoarding, refusal to sell, price manipulation, or other irregularities. Reports may be submitted through government hotline 8888, the DOE Consumer Welfare and Protection Office, or through the department’s official communication channels.

How important is strict monitoring of fuel retailers in ensuring fair fuel prices for consumers?

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