By Tracy Cabrera
AMIDST the call for fuel-saving measures now being implemented across the country, the Department of Energy (DoE) has issued show-cause orders (SCOs) to several gasoline stations over illegal price adjustments in gasoline and other petroleum products.
According to energy secretary Sharon Garin, the issuance of the SCOs to some 55 gas stations was done only after they received reports of unjustified fuel price increases and to protect consumers amid rising global oil prices.
“We have reviewed 87 reports, including 26 from Metro Manila, and issued show-cause orders to 55 oil firms. They have 24 hours to explain why their permits should not be revoked,” Garin told the media during a press briefing.
The DoE will urge local authorities to cancel the business permits of non-compliant stations if they verify the violations.
“Since Friday, we have been working closely with the police and local governments to monitor fuel outlets and respond quickly to claims that some companies are exploiting recent international price surges,” she pointed out.
The former sectoral representative of the Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma party-list likewise disclosed that they have also released a list of oil companies that have submitted their scheduled price adjustments this week, prompted by crude oil exceeding US$100 per barrel due to ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have disrupted global supplies.
Garin emphasized that oil companies are expected to ensure their gas stations and franchises follow the recommended pricing set by the government even as she reassured the public that the domestic fuel supply remains adequate.
“We have enough supply until the end of April, and additional orders are already in place. Shortages will only occur if unscrupulous actors hoard fuel,” she cited.
In order to mitigate the situation, the DoE has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to launch the eGovPH Complaint Center through the eGov mobile app which will enable the citizenry to report cases of panic buying, hoarding or pricing violations.
The DoE also provided the latest weekly fuel price adjustments, as follows:
* Shell – Gasoline ₱8.75/L; Diesel ₱24.25/L; Kerosene ₱36/L
* Petron – Gasoline ₱8.80/L; Diesel ₱19.20/L; Kerosene ₱32/L
* Total – Gasoline ₱10.20/L; Diesel ₱20.20/L
* Chevron – Gasoline ₱7/L; Diesel ₱17.50/L; Kerosene ₱38.50/L
* Jetti Petroleum – Gasoline ₱9/L; Diesel ₱19/L
* Seaoil Philippines: Gasoline ₱11 to 13/L; Diesel ₱21 to 23/L; Kerosene ₱33 to 35/L.
