The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO), has intensified monitoring of petroleum retail outlets across Mindanao to ensure full compliance with existing fuel pricing regulations and to protect consumers from any unfair practices.
The inspections are being conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Tagum City and Davao City as part of the government’s continuing efforts to maintain transparency, fairness, and stability in the sale of petroleum products.
Initial monitoring activities began on Thursday and will continue in the coming days. Beginning Saturday, joint DOE and PNP monitoring teams will conduct inspections across various parts of Mindanao to verify compliance with the proper implementation of scheduled fuel price adjustments and other regulatory requirements.
During one of the inspections conducted on Thursday, the team observed that the posted pump price of diesel at a retail station in Tagum City had increased by ₱8.35 per liter—from ₱64.85 per liter to ₱73.20 per liter—as of March 5, 2026.
Upon verification, it was determined that the station had implemented the price adjustment earlier than the prescribed schedule for fuel price movements. The station was immediately advised to revert to the proper price level in accordance with the correct implementation of the fuel price adjustment schedule.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos’s statement on March 6, “Patuloy na mino-monitor ng pamahalaan ang presyo ng bilihin sa mga pamilihan pang matiyak na walang mananamantala sa sitwasyon na 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.”
Our field offices in Luzon and Visayas have likewise intensified their on-site inspections and monitoring of retail gasoline stations to ensure strict compliance with existing fuel pricing regulations and supply policies.
The DOE emphasizes that such monitoring activities are part of routine regulatory oversight designed to ensure that fuel retailers follow established rules that protect both consumers and legitimate businesses in the petroleum industry.
The DOE continues to work closely with industry stakeholders and law enforcement authorities to ensure that petroleum products are sold fairly and in accordance with existing regulations.
The DOE encourages the public to report any suspected hoarding, refusal to sell, price manipulation, or other irregularities.
Reports may be submitted to the DOE’s Consumer Welfare and Protection Office through Hotline 8888, the DOE trunk line, the Department’s official Facebook Messenger channel, telephone number 8840-2267, or via email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph.
To facilitate verification, the public is encouraged to provide relevant details such as the name of the gasoline station, its exact location, the date and time of the incident, posted pump prices, and receipts or photos if available.
The DOE remains committed to protecting consumers, ensuring fair market practices, and maintaining public confidence in the country’s energy supply system.
