The Department of Energy (DOE) has increased monitoring of the downstream oil industry following reports of alleged hoarding and profiteering in the sale of petroleum products, particularly from a Cebu gas station.

The agency said it is working in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure swift and just actions are taken against any violators and to prevent any irregularities in the sale of fuel products.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said a report from the DOE’s field office in Cebu alerted them to the excessively high prices of a gas station in the local area that was also refusing the sale of certain fuel products. This prompted the agency to respond accordingly.

“Meron kasing findings ang field office namin sa Cebu na merong nag ch-charge na sobrang taas na daw. Basta tumaas na raw ang presyo ng gasolina, at ayaw na magbenta. Not only is it illegal, but it is inhumane and anti-Filipino,” Garin said.

She said that the government is taking a whole-of-government approach to the situation to firmly address such practices and prevent further abuse in the fuel market.

“So we are very strong against this. We have asked DILG, the PNP, and the mayors that we all work together to make sure that this [does] not happen. We will police all the gasoline stations,” Garin affirmed.

Garin said that the strict monitoring of fuel retailers will continue so that businesses do not exploit its customers, especially in times of increased market volatility- attributed to the rising tensions in the Middle East.

“Because you cannot take advantage of the sufferings of the Filipino people. Di pwede yan. Kaya kailangan gobyerno pumasok diyan and we’re coming strong,” she said.

Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, hoarding and profiteering involving petroleum products such as kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are illegal acts of price manipulation and are punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Presidential Decree No. 1865, which amended Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, also imposes penalties for illegal activities in the oil sector, including short selling, adulteration, hoarding, overpricing, and misuse of fuel allocations.

The DOE said that its field offices in Luzon and Mindanao have already sent alleged reports of irregularities that have prompted the agency to investigate. These are currently being validated and consolidated as part of the department’s case build-up process.

The department also urged consumers to report any suspicious activity regarding the sale of fuel products. Complaints may be filed through government hotline 8888, the DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, the department’s official Facebook Messenger account, or via email.

Consumers are encouraged to document incidents with photos or videos and include details such as the gasoline station name, location, date and time of the incident, posted prices, and receipts.

The DOE also warned the public to exercise caution when sharing information and to rely only on official advisories from government agencies.

Have you encountered unusual fuel pricing or refusal to sell at gas stations in your area?

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