2 weeks ago
16
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
The DOE is investigating hundreds of complaints against gas stations as fuel prices rise.
atlasstudio via Canva
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy is investigating about 500 complaints against fuel retailers across the country as pump prices climb amid global oil market volatility.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the complaints involve alleged violations such as premature price increases and excessive markups by gasoline stations, some of which were reported to have increased prices to 50% above mandated price caps.
"So far we have received about 500 complaints," Garin said in an interview with One News on Wedneday, March 11.
The complaints were filed through the eGov platform of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, which the DOE urged the public to use when reporting possible fuel price violations.
Garin said earlier complaints already resulted in enforcement actions. "Out of the 85, 55 show cause orders were issued," she said.
The DOE, along with local governments and the Philippine National Police, conducted inspections after receiving reports from consumers.
Some gas stations adjusted their prices after being flagged by authorities, Garin said.
Excessive price increases
The energy chief said investigators found instances of fuel retailers raising prices beyond what was allowed under the weekly adjustment schedule.
"We have found evidence and we have pictures, and we have found that some of them have increased their prices 50% more than it should be," Garin said.
Retailers that received show cause orders have been asked to submit explanations and supporting documents as part of the investigation.
"We have to go through the due process that they deserve also," she said.
The DOE said it is seeking assistance from other government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry and law enforcement groups, to help investigate the growing number of complaints.
Fuel prices under pressure. Fuel prices in the Philippines have been rising as global oil markets react to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.
Energy officials have warned that another major round of pump price increases may be implemented next week, with early estimates pointing to increases of around P9 per liter for gasoline, P19 for diesel and P31 for kerosene.
The Philippines imports most of its petroleum supply, making local fuel prices sensitive to movements in global crude oil markets.
