ILOILO City – The Department of Energy (DOE) warned gasoline stations not to impose arbitrary fuel price hikes, stressing that retailers are allowed to increase prices only once a week or face possible sanctions and profiteering charges.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin issued the warning during a visit to Iloilo Friday last week amid growing public anxiety over tensions in the Middle East that could trigger volatility in global oil prices.
“I hope that the people, the media, will help us spread information that you (gas stations) can only raise or increase the prices of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene once a week unless we allow it more. Kaya bantayan niyo po. May ibang gas stations na everyday inaakyat, bawal po yan. Abuso yan. You’re taking advantage of the current problem of the country. You’re making it worse for other people,” Garin said.
Garin said the government is closely monitoring fuel retailers amid concerns that some establishments might exploit the situation while the public remains uneasy about developments abroad.
“Nenerbyos ‘yung mga kababayan naton tapos may magte-take advantage pa. That is immoral na,” she added.
The DOE chief encouraged the public to report suspicious or excessive fuel price increases through the agency’s hotlines, social media channels, or email, particularly if supported by evidence such as photos and official receipts.
Garin said the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is clear: companies found abusing the situation through profiteering or hoarding will face reprimands and possible legal action.
“We have to reprimand, we have to file cases to those that are abusing, profiteering, nagho-hoarding. That’s not the Filipino way. Tayo po sama-sama. Mag tulongan tayo. ‘Yung mga hindi po sumusunod, taking advantage of the situation, hindi maka-Filipino mga ‘yan,” she said.
According to Garin, once complaints with supporting evidence are received, DOE field teams will immediately investigate the establishments involved.
She acknowledged that the agency has limited field personnel but said it can coordinate with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), local chief executives, and the police to enforce regulations.
Garin also reminded gasoline station owners to ensure that no price increase is implemented before the next scheduled adjustment, which is today, March 10, warning that those caught violating the rule could be charged with profiteering.
The energy chief expressed hope that tensions in the Middle East will ease soon to prevent prolonged disruptions in global oil supply.
She added that the government is prepared to implement “moderate and worst-case scenario measures” should the crisis escalate, including possible financial assistance for sectors most affected such as farmers and transport workers./PN