54 Gas Stations Busted: DOE Drops the Hammer on Fuel Price Gougers
The Department of Energy has slapped show cause orders on 54 gasoline stations caught allegedly jacking up their prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro broke the news while traveling with President Marcos during his work visit to the United States.
Castro didn't hold back, warning profiteers that the government is coming for them. "Sa mga tao po, hindi po dapat kayo magsamantala," she said, adding that those caught exploiting the situation face lawsuits and could lose their business permits entirely. Walang awang-awa dito.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin was even more blunt, confirming that cases will be filed against all 54 stations. She revealed that some gas stations were hoarding fuel and refusing to sell, waiting for prices to climb even higher. "May mga nag-hoard o may ibang gasolinahan na naghihintay ng akyat presyo at ayaw magbenta," Garin said, vowing to shut down violators.
According to Garin, the price increases are unjustified since these stations still have existing stock purchased at lower prices — they haven't even bought new supply yet. DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella personally served a show cause order to a gas station in Pasig City, giving them just 24 hours to explain themselves.
The crackdown comes as the government scrambles to shield Filipinos from the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict, which has sent global oil prices soaring. With President Marcos also pushing Congress for emergency powers to reduce excise taxes on fuel, it's clear the administration is pulling out all the stops para hindi magutom ang Pinoy sa presyo ng gas.
Source: GMA News
