Hoarding and unauthorized price increase are not allowed.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, the Department of Energy (DOE) directed oil companies and gasoline stations nationwide to adhere to rules set by the government.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos’s statement on March 6, the department’s field offices around the country, together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), are conducting monitoring to ensure strict compliance with existing fuel pricing regulations and supply policies.
Marcos’ statements were as follows: “Patuloy na mino-monitor ng pamahalaan ang presyo ng bilihin sa mga pamilihan pang matiyak na walang mananamantala sa sitwasyon na ito. Nakikiusap ako sa mga negosyante at mga traders, huwag ninyo sanang samantalahan ang sitwasyong ito. Pinapaalala ko sa lahat na ang hoarding at ang profiteering ay labag sa batas.”
The agency reminded these entities that price gouging is prohibited, as well as hoarding or buying stockpile of petroleum products of consumers—which is also considered an illegal activity under the Republic Act No. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865. Those that will violate will be held liable, with permit cancelation for the establishment, too.
The DOE also emphasized that such monitoring activities are part of “routine regulatory oversight designed to ensure that fuel retailers follow established rules that protect both consumers and legitimate businesses in the petroleum industry.”
It also said thar it “continues to work closely with industry stakeholders and law enforcement authorities to ensure that petroleum products are sold fairly and in accordance with existing regulations.“
Moreover, the energy department said that it remains committed to protecting consumers, ensuring fair market practices, and maintaining public confidence in the country’s energy supply system.
INSPECTION IN MINDANAO
In a press statement, the Department of Energy, through its Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO), has flagged a gas station in Tagum City, more than two days after the initial monitoring activities began last Thursday, March 5 together with the PNP units in the area.
During one of the inspections conducted on that day, the team observed that the posted pump price of diesel at a retail station in Tagum City had increased by PHP8.35 per liter—from PHP64.85 per liter to PHP73.20 per liter—as of March 5, 2026.
“Upon verification, it was determined that the station had implemented the price adjustment earlier than the prescribed schedule for fuel price movements. The station was immediately advised to revert to the proper price level in accordance with the correct implementation of the fuel price adjustment schedule,” the statement furthered.
Beginning Saturday, the joint DOE and PNP monitoring teams also began conducting inspections across various parts of Mindanao to verify compliance with the proper implementation of scheduled fuel price adjustments and other regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, the DOE also said that it encourages the public to report any suspected hoarding, refusal to sell, price manipulation, or other irregularities.
Reports may be submitted to the DOE’s Consumer Welfare and Protection Office through Hotline 8888, the DOE trunk line, the Department’s official Facebook Messenger channel, telephone number 8840-2267, or via email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph.
It added, “To facilitate verification, the public is encouraged to provide relevant details such as the name of the gasoline station, its exact location, the date and time of the incident, posted pump prices, and receipts or photos if available.”
For the dates of March 6 to 9, the DOE has listed the price range of oil products per liter.
- Gasoline RON 97/100: PHP53.70 – PHP76.50
- Gasoline RON 95: PHP50.00 – PHP71.04
- Gasoline RON 91: PHP49.00 – PHP64.70
- Diesel: PHP49.00 – PHP66.59/L
- Diesel Plus: PHP56.80 – PHP74.81/L
- Kerosene: PHP78.90 – PHP99.89/L
FUEL DISCOUNTS FOR MOTORISTS
However, the Department of Energy (DOE) has since coordinated with oil companies to ensured continued fuel discount programs for drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) and transport network vehicles (TNVS), delivery riders, and other motorists while the global oil prices continue to be affected by the security situation in the Middle East.
The DOE also said that it will regularly release lists of gasoline stations or oil companies that have fuel discounts on its website, including designated discount days, loyalty cards, and special promos with the aim of helping alleviate the burden of motorists that depend on these for their livelihood.