Following direct orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE) has intensified its nationwide campaign against fuel hoarding and profiteering.
The crackdown comes in response to reports of irregular pricing at various gas stations, which have added further strain to motorists and transport sectors during the current energy crisis.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announced y that the department is working in a multi-agency coalition with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to stabilize fuel prices and hold erring establishments accountable.
Through the DICT-developed eGov platform, the DOE has processed nearly 1,000 public reports concerning suspicious activities at the pump. This streamlined digital reporting system has allowed authorities to act with unprecedented speed.
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Enforcement Actions: To date, fewer than 100 show-cause orders have been issued to establishments suspected of price manipulation or illegal stockpiling.
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Legal Proceedings: The DOE’s legal team is currently collaborating with LGU and PNP lawyers to build airtight cases against violators.
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Immediate Impact: Secretary Garin noted that the mere presence of enforcement officers has triggered compliance. “Many of these gas stations returned to standard pricing once the PNP or local mayors arrived at the site,” Garin stated.
The DOE issued a stern warning to industry players: profiteering and hoarding will not be tolerated. While some LGUs have already moved to shutter non-compliant stations, the DOE has the authority to permanently revoke operating permits.
“If there is a proven case of profiteering or hoarding, we will cancel their permits to ensure they can no longer operate,” said Secretary Garin.
The government continues to urge the public to remain vigilant. Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of overpricing or fuel withholding via the eGov platform. These reports are vital for the government’s real-time monitoring and swift intervention efforts.
