The Bacolod City government has sought the assistance of the Bacolod City Police Office in monitoring fuel prices as the scheduled price adjustments took effect.
“I talked to police city director Colonel Eugene Rebadomia to help us monitor and keep watch. This is aside from the regular checks being conducted by the City Treasurer’s Office,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a video statement.
As the Middle East crisis continues to affect global fuel costs, the mayor called on retailers to refrain from taking advantage of consumers, but to strictly comply with oil price regulations prescribed by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Among the four gasoline stations inspected, one was noted to have increased its prices ahead of the scheduled adjustment date.
A list released by the DOE showed the scheduled price increases this week of oil companies, such as Shell, Petron, Total, Jetti Petroleum, and Seaoil Philippines.
City Administrator Mark Mayo said the city government is ready to coordinate with the DOE in investigating any reported violations.
“We appeal to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law,” he added.
Mayo said they will submit monitoring reports to the DOE, which has the authority to impose sanctions on establishments found violating price regulations.
He noted that the city government wants to “ensure that fuel prices remain within the allowable range and that motorists are not burdened by unjustified increases.”
The DOE said show-cause orders have already been issued against 55 gas stations due to reported excessive fuel price increases.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that if violations are confirmed, the DOE would request local government units to revoke the business permits of the erring gasoline stations.
The DOE also receives reports of panic buying, hoarding or non-compliance with fuel pricing through the eGovPH Complaint Center via the eGovPH mobile app, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology. (PNA)