The Department of Energy (DOE) intensified monitoring of the downstream oil industry following reports of possible hoarding and profiteering in the sale of petroleum products.
For kerosene and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, of the Price Act, as amended, hoarding and profiteering are illegal acts of price manipulation and are punishable of fine and imprisonment.
Presidential Decree No. 1865, signed on May 23, 1983, which amends Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 also strengthens penalties for illegal acts involving petroleum products in the Philippines. It addresses oil supply insecurity by penalizing short selling, adulteration, hoarding, overpricing, and misuse of allocations with fines, imprisonment, and product forfeiture.
The DOE coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure swift action against any violators.
DOE field offices in Luzon and Mindanao have submitted initial reports and supporting pieces of evidence indicating potential irregularities in fuel supply and retail practices. These are being validated and consolidated as part of the Department’s case build-up process, including referrals for appropriate law enforcement action.
“We will not tolerate any attempt to take advantage of the current situation at the expense of Filipino consumers. Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government is pursuing a whole-of-government approach to protect the public and maintain orderly fuel supply and distribution,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
The DOE is asking consumers and the public to promptly report any suspected incidents of hoarding, refusal to sell, price manipulation, or profiteering to the DOE through its Oil Industry Management Bureau, Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, and Field Offices.
Consumers may file complaints through the government hotline 8888, the DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office telephone number 8840-2267, the Department of Energy Official Facebook Messenger, or via email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph. In support of protecting consumers, concerned reports are encouraged to take photos or videos and include key details such as the gasoline station name, exact location, date and time of incident, posted prices, and receipts.
The DOE likewise reminds the public to exercise caution in sharing unverified information and to rely only on official advisories from the DOE and other authorized government agencies for accurate updates.
