CAPIZ — Police have launched a monitoring operation in several gasoline stations across Roxas City following reports of unauthorized fuel price increases.
The monitoring was conducted after Energy Secretary Sharon Garin was informed of the situation through an oil price monitoring report.
Authorities carried out inspections in various gasoline stations to verify current fuel prices and check possible violations involving price adjustments that had not yet been authorized. The operation aims to ensure compliance with regulations and protect consumers from unfair pricing practices.
According to police reports, PLt. Col. Donnel P. Regis, officer-in-charge of the Roxas Component City Police Station, personally inspected a Petron Corporation gasoline station in Barangay Lawaan.
During the visit, Regis met with the station’s owner and management, who admitted implementing a P0.50 increase on fuel products from March 4 to March 9 without prior approval.
Police officials reminded the station management to strictly comply with regulations of the Department of Energy regarding fuel price adjustments to ensure fair pricing for consumers.
Authorities also coordinated with the management of a Chevron Corporation-operated Caltex gasoline station located at KM 1 in Barangay XI, Roxas City.
During the morning monitoring, authorities observed that fuel prices had risen to over P80 per liter. Station management explained that the pricing was based on directives from the company.
However, after consultations between the Philippine National Police and its branches in Roxas and Kalibo, the operations manager of Mardigold Aklan-Capiz Inc. decided to roll back the prices of diesel and platinum fuel to slightly above P60 per liter as a gesture of goodwill to customers amid concerns over rising fuel costs.
Police said monitoring of gasoline stations across Roxas City will continue to ensure that there will be no incidents of hoarding or illegal price increases, especially amid fluctuating fuel prices.
Authorities said the operation is part of efforts to safeguard consumers and maintain fair market practices./PN
