The Department of Energy (DOE) has directed all oil companies, gasoline stations, and downstream oil industry participants to strictly comply with existing fuel pricing rules and anti-hoarding regulations amid continued monitoring of global oil market developments.
The Department emphasized that the country continues to have sufficient fuel supply and that proactive measures are being undertaken to maintain stability in the domestic petroleum market.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department issued the order to ensure the orderly sale and distribution of petroleum products and to prevent hoarding, profiteering, and any premature or unauthorized price. The government will not tolerate any attempt to exploit the present situation at the expense of the Filipino public.
Gasoline stations are not allowed to implement unscheduled or unauthorized price increases outside established pricing adjustments. Oil companies have likewise been directed to ensure that their company-owned and dealer-operated stations strictly comply with DOE directives, including any duly authorized staggered price adjustments, where applicable.
Pump prices from March 6 to March 9 must not go beyond the following ranges:
- Gasoline (RON 97/100) at ₱53.70 to ₱76.50 per liter
- Gasoline (RON 95) at ₱50.00 to ₱71.04 per liter
- Gasoline (RON 91) at ₱49.00 to ₱64.70 per liter
- Diesel at ₱49.00 to ₱66.59 per liter
- Diesel Plus at ₱56.80 to ₱74.81 per liter
- Kerosene at ₱78.90 to ₱99.89 per liter.
“We recognize that the industry operates under challenging global conditions, and we appreciate those who continue to act responsibly. At the same time, we will not allow any party to take advantage of the situation. Fair pricing and adequate supply are a commitment to every Filipino whose daily needs depend on it,” Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
To strengthen enforcement on the ground, the DOE has formally sought the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in intensifying monitoring activities at gasoline stations nationwide. The DOE Field Offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have ramped up on-site inspections to verify compliance with fuel pricing directives and the responsible sale of petroleum products.
Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, hoarding and other abnormal or illegal sales practices involving petroleum products are prohibited. In line with this, the DOE reminded all concerned establishments that acts intended to withhold supply, manipulate distribution, or circumvent lawful pricing and sales practices are subject to corresponding administrative and criminal sanctions under existing laws.
Further, all retail stations must dispense petroleum products in accordance with existing rules and safety regulations to prevent any hoarding activities. Gasoline stations shall only dispense directly to the vehicle fuel tank, and container-loading of petroleum products is prohibited, unless otherwise provided. The Department warned against practices such as improper container loading, “bote bote” sales, and the filling of drums, gallons, or other containers for purposes of stockpiling, where such acts are used to facilitate hoarding or illegal resale. These measures are intended to protect consumers and preserve the fair distribution of fuel in the market.
Violations may result in the revocation of the Certificate of Compliance or License to Operate, suspension or cancellation of business permits, and the imposition of other applicable administrative or criminal penalties under existing laws and regulations.
The DOE assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain ready to take all necessary actions to protect consumers, preserve market stability, and ensure the continuous availability of petroleum products across the country. The next regular fuel price adjustment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
