The Department of Energy (DOE) has clarified that fuel retailers may continue selling petroleum products in fuel-grade drums or portable containers for legitimate operational use, but warned that purchases that exceed normal consumption levels may be subject to verification under anti-hoarding rules.

“The sale of petroleum products in fuel-grade drums or containers remains allowed for legitimate operational use, provided that such purchases are consistent with the customer’s normal operational requirements and comply with applicable safety standards for fuel dispensing,” DOE said in an advisory issued on March 12.

The guidance applies to end-users whose operations rely on fuel deliveries through drums or containers. These include fishing vessels and marine equipment operators, sea transport services, hospitals and facilities operating generator sets, local government units, users of agricultural machinery, telecommunications facilities, port service transport units, and other businesses with legitimate operational requirements.

The Department emphasized that purchases should remain proportionate to a customer’s typical consumption levels and actual operational needs.

“Transactions that significantly exceed normal buying patterns may be subject to verification to ensure compliance with anti-hoarding regulations,” the agency said.

Fuel retailers, meanwhile, were urged to exercise caution when handling such purchases, particularly when transaction volumes appear inconsistent with a buyer’s declared purpose or historical consumption.

“Fuel retailers are advised to carefully assess such transactions, particularly when the volume purchased appears inconsistent with the buyer’s declared purpose or established consumption pattern,” the DOE said.

The agency also called on the public to report suspected violations. Complaints may be lodged through the government’s eGovPH App, Hotline 8888, local government units, or directly to the DOE through its Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office.

The clarification comes as fuel sales through drums and containers remain common in off-grid, maritime, agricultural, and emergency power operations across the country—segments that rely on bulk purchases outside conventional pump dispensing.

What are your thoughts on the DOE’s latest guidance? How might this affect fuel procurement practices across industries that rely on drum-based fuel supply?

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