DOE Visayas cracks down on overpricing fuel retailers

Local

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has intensified enforcement operations against fuel retailers allegedly selling petroleum products beyond prescribed price ranges.

The crackdown came as consumers face a P3-per-kilogram increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices this June amid assurances that fuel supplies remain ample and stable nationwide.

DOE Visayas Field Office Director Renante Sevilla said the agency has issued show-cause orders to several fuel retailers in Cebu Province, Cebu City, Iloilo, and Bacolod City following monitoring activities that detected prices exceeding the DOE's allowable range.

“Most of them have presented their official receipts and delivery documents, so we were able to verify that prices had indeed increased,” Sevilla said in an interview on Wednesday, June 3.

He added that the DOE is working closely with local government units and the Philippine National Police to strengthen monitoring efforts, particularly in far-flung areas.

Retailers found unable to justify their price increases may face administrative sanctions and possible closure.

While pursuing enforcement actions, the DOE assured consumers that fuel and LPG supplies remain sufficient.

Sevilla said no supply issues have been recorded in Central Visayas, while Energy Resource Development Bureau Undersecretary Alessandro Sales reported in a press briefing on Monday, June 1, that the country's LPG inventory currently exceeds 42 days—six times higher than the seven-day minimum inventory requirement.

Liquid fuel inventories are also about three times the mandated level, indicating a comfortable supply situation.

The assurance comes as LPG prices rose up to at least P3 per kilogram this month.

Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Reno Abad said the increase represents the maximum allowable adjustment for June.

Despite global market uncertainties linked to geopolitical developments abroad, Sales said recent trends have generally been favorable, contributing to rollbacks in major fuel prices while maintaining ample domestic inventories.

Meanwhile, Sevilla noted that weather-related logistical delays occasionally affect fuel deliveries, particularly when vessels arrive during heavy rains, but stressed that these challenges have not resulted in supply disruptions.

The DOE said it will continue its weekly monitoring of fuel prices and inventory levels to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases while ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products nationwide.(MyTVCebu)