The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the Operating Guidelines Against Hoarding in the Downstream Oil Industry during a State of National Energy Emergency (SNEE) to help ensure that fuel remains available and accessible to Filipinos. The issuance of these Guidelines reinforces the DOE’s mandate to safeguard the public interest and maintain energy security, consistent with Republic Act No. 7638, Republic Act No. 8479, and Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026.
At a time of heightened volatility in global oil markets brought by the developments in the Middle East, the DOE is strengthening safeguards to prevent artificial shortages and ensure the orderly, fair, and efficient distribution of petroleum products. These measures are intended to deter practices that distort supply, undermine public confidence, and place unnecessary pressure on consumers and the broader economy.
To support stable fuel supply and protect consumers, the Guidelines establish clear rules addressing both commercial hoarding by industry participants and consumer hoarding, including excessive or panic buying beyond normal needs.
The Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for monitoring, prevention, and enforcement, including:
Clear definitions of prohibited acts and hoarding indicators;
- Preventive measures, such as temporary fuel purchase limits when necessary and tighter regulation of container-based transactions;
- Enhanced monitoring through the Emergency Petroleum Monitoring System (EPMS) to track inventory levels, supply movements, and fuel distribution; and
- Defined enforcement procedures, including the issuance of Show Cause Orders and timelines for evaluation and case action.
To ensure effective implementation, the DOE is re-convening the DOE–Department of Justice (DOJ) Task Force to receive and act on reports of suspected hoarding, determine violations, and initiate appropriate administrative and criminal actions under existing laws.
The Department is also coordinating closely with the DOJ, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units to strengthen nationwide monitoring and enforcement and ensure that fuel remains accessible to the public.
The DOE emphasized that these measures are temporary, targeted, and proportionate to the requirements of the SNEE, and are designed to preserve supply stability while remaining consistent with the country’s market-based downstream oil industry framework.
“These Guidelines are meant to ensure that petroleum products continue to move where they are needed, when they are needed, and at a level that protects consumers, supports economic activity, and upholds public order amid the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil markets,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
The DOE reassures the public that it continues to monitor supply conditions closely and implements the necessary measures to keep petroleum products available across the country. Consumers are encouraged to continue purchasing based on normal requirements, as there is no need for panic buying or stockpiling.
The Guidelines take effect immediately and shall remain in force for the duration of the declared State of National Energy Emergency, unless sooner revoked by the DOE.
