THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said 294 of the 14,527 gas stations nationwide have temporarily closed, while the number of reported incidents of hoarding and profiteering increased to 27.
Since March 1, authorities have filed 27 cases involving fuel-related violations, including seven cases of hoarding, one case of profiteering, and 19 other offenses, including illegal storage, transport, and trading of petroleum products.
In a recent operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Agusan del Norte, operatives arrested two suspects for their alleged involvement in an oil pilferage scheme on April 17.
The suspects, a truck driver and a helper, were reportedly caught in the act of illegally siphoning fuel from a tanker truck into barrels and smaller containers for unauthorized trading. The tanker truck, reportedly coming from Cagayan de Oro City, had stopped on the roadside where the unlawful transfer of fuel was carried out.
Confiscated during the operation was one trailer tanker containing petroleum products with a total estimated value of P6.6 million, including one barrel containing 180 liters of fuel.
These enforcement efforts are done in coordination with the Department of Energy and the respective Local Price Monitoring Councils of local government units to ensure accurate monitoring, fair pricing, and sufficient supply at the community level.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed a balanced and firm approach as the PNP will continue to enforce the law fairly and ensure that those who violate it are held accountable.
“We remain committed to working with partner agencies and local authorities to keep the situation manageable and under control. Our monitoring and coordination is ongoing to prevent any exploitation,” Nartatez said.
The PNP also urged the public to stay informed and vigilant, especially as global tensions are affecting oil production and distribution, with a corresponding impact on local supply.
Suspicious activities such as illegal fuel storage, overpricing, and unauthorized trade must be reported to the authorities.
