Your gas receipt could help DOE catch price gouging

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

With over 14,000 gasoline stations across the country, the Department of Energy is calling on the public to report outlets that impose unauthorized fuel price increases as authorities tighten monitoring against profiteering and hoarding.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said public cooperation is crucial in monitoring compliance with fuel pricing rules, as the agency’s resources are limited in overseeing thousands of retail stations nationwide.

“Police are on high alert, pero tulong tulong tayo. There are 14,000 gas stations all over the country, please report any violation to your local enforcement agencies so the Philippine National Police can deploy their already strained resources,” she said on Saturday, March 7.

The public can report unauthorized fuel price increases through several channels: the DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at 8840-2267 or 8479-2900 local 329, or by email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph; the government’s Citizens’ Complaint Center hotline at 8888; the Department of Energy’s official Facebook Messenger page; and the Visayas Field Office at 0915-887-3357.

To ensure a report can be acted upon, complainants should provide the name of the gasoline station, exact location, date and time of the incident, documented evidence such as photos of the price board, videos, or official receipts, and the specific violation observed.

Garin warned that gasoline stations and oil companies found violating pricing regulations may face penalties, including the suspension or cancellation of their operating permits.

“Just a reminder: if some can follow the rules, why can’t others?” she stressed.

The energy department also reminded both retailers and consumers that hoarding and illegal fuel trading are prohibited under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865. The law penalizes acts such as overpricing, hoarding, and the unauthorized sale of petroleum products, with violations carrying fines and possible imprisonment.

Garin also reminded the public that the next fuel price adjustment will take effect on Tuesday, and prices should remain unchanged until then since oil companies already implemented increases earlier in the week.

The DOE released the following pump price ranges for March 6 to 9: high-octane gasoline RON 97/100 ranges from PHP 53.70 to PHP 76.50 per liter; gasoline RON 95 is priced between PHP 50.00 and PHP 71.00 per liter; and RON 91 falls between PHP 49.00 and PHP 64.70 per liter.

Standard diesel prices span PHP 49.00 to PHP 66.59 per liter, with premium diesel plus from PHP 56.80 to PHP 74.81 per liter.

Kerosene, often used in rural areas, carries the highest range at PHP 78.90 to PHP 99.89 per liter.

“Loading fuel into containers, drums, bottles, and similar items is prohibited. The DOE will release a new price advisory on Tuesday, March 10,” Garin added.

In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said residents should help monitor fuel prices as global tensions continue to affect oil markets.

“We are all affected by the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, so I am appealing for everyone to work together in monitoring and cooperating so we can help ease the situation,” she said.

As of March 6, the city government’s monitoring of gasoline stations showed diesel prices ranging from PHP 53.90 to PHP 75.00 per liter. The lowest price of PHP 53.90 was recorded at a Petron station in Baldoza, La Paz, while the highest of PHP 75.00 was posted at PetrolLifuel in Ticud, La Paz, and Pertolli in Poblacion, Molo.

Regular gasoline prices ranged from PHP 54.50 to PHP 69.00 per liter. The lowest price of PHP 54.50 was recorded at West Oil on Coastal Road and at a Petron station in Baldoza, while the highest of PHP 69.00 was posted at PetrolLifuel and Pertolli.

Premium gasoline prices ranged from PHP 55.00 to PHP 70.00 per liter. The lowest price of PHP 55.00 was recorded at a Jetti station in Tabuc Suba, Jaro, while the highest of PHP 70.00 was posted at PetrolLifuel and Pertolli.