As ongoing developments in the Middle East continue to affect global oil supply and prices, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has launched a new “Gas Station Concerns” feature on the eGovPH App to give the public a faster and more accessible way to report consumer concerns involving gasoline stations.
The new feature forms part of the DOE’s continuing efforts to protect consumers and strengthen monitoring of the oil industry at a time when many Filipinos are closely feeling the effects of movements in global oil prices. It also expands the DOE’s existing consumer assistance channels, which include the DOE Official Facebook Messenger, email, telephone hotline, and Hotline 8888.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda partnered to direct the integration of the reporting mechanism into the eGovPH Super App.
Through the eGovPH App, the public may report concerns involving the sale and distribution of petroleum products, including possible hoarding, unauthorized or excessive price increases, refusal to sell fuel, and other related concerns. Reports may be supported with details such as photos or receipts, when available, to help facilitate proper review and action.
After a report is filed, the user will receive a unique ticket number which may be used to track the status of the concern through the app. Updates may also be sent through text message.
All reports submitted under the fuel complaint feature will be endorsed to the DOE and relevant agencies, such as the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG), Local Government Units, and Philippine National Police (PNP), for appropriate action. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the initiative reflects the government’s continuing commitment to protect consumers and make public assistance more accessible.
“Amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to affect the global oil market, it is important that our people have clear, reliable, and accessible ways to raise their concerns. This partnership between the DOE and the DICT strengthens our ability to receive reports, respond more quickly, enforce existing rules, and protect consumers from unfair practices,” Secretary Garin said.
DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr., DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, and DOE Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol led the coordination efforts between the two Departments. Within just two days, the DICT and DOE successfully developed and activated the “Gas Station Concerns” feature to help protect consumers and ensure faster reporting of concerns from the public.
“This project, developed in record time, shows how government can leverage technology to address urgent national needs while advancing our digital transformation goals,” Undersecretary Fuentebella said.
The DOE encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or unfair practices they observe at gasoline stations through the eGovPH app, Hotline 8888, their respective local government units, or directly to the DOE through the Consumer Welfare and Promotions Office (CWPO) at telephone number 8840-2267, DOE Official Facebook Messenger, or email the CPWO at cwpo@doe.gov.ph.
The DOE also reminds the public to report responsibly and ensure that the information submitted is accurate and truthful, so that reports can properly assist fellow citizens and support appropriate action by authorities.
The DOE likewise urged all downstream oil industry participants to strictly comply with existing laws, rules, and pricing directives. Violations involving hoarding, illegal sale, and other prohibited acts may be subject to appropriate penalties and enforcement action under applicable laws and regulations.
