71 gas stations cited for overpricing amid fuel crisis

National

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has flagged 71 out of 87 inspected gas stations for violating price regulations amid ongoing global oil crisis.

Violations primarily involved overpricing and implementing adjustments ahead of the government-mandated schedule, a report by Philstar said.

Under the DOE Department Circular 2019-05-0008, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2024, all fuel price adjustments must be made every Tuesday and remain effective for seven days.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed that show-cause orders have already been issued to 55 gas stations for premature price adjustments.

Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella highlighted specific offenders in Pasig and Quezon City, such as a Global Oil Hauz branch in Pasig that reportedly sold diesel at ₱79.93 per liter—a sharp spike from ₱51.98. Similar surges were recorded at X-Finity and Metro Oil in Fairview, where diesel reached ₱71 and ₱72 per liter.

Fuentebella warned that establishments found guilty of profiteering face the revocation of their Certificate of Compliance, a penalty effectively equivalent to a permanent business closure.

To ensure strict compliance, the DOE has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that intelligence units are actively tracking those withholding supply to artificially inflate prices, while Customs officials are inspecting oil depots to prevent the creation of artificial shortages.

While Garin clarified that the Oil Deregulation Law prevents the government from dictating exact pump prices, she maintained that the department remains vigilant against illegal practices.

This sentiment was echoed by former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who noted in an interview that profiteering remains quantifiable and punishable by law despite the industry's deregulated nature.

To protect consumers from future shocks, Cusi suggested the government establish a strategic oil reserve and mandate more transparent price computations to clarify how global market fluctuations translate to local costs.

The public was encouraged to support these monitoring efforts by reporting unauthorized adjustments via the eGovPH app.(Mary Angel Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)