Bantay-Hoarding Mode: DOE Says Fuel Buying Limits May Kick In if Panic Spreads
The Department of Energy is considering temporary limits on fuel purchases if panic buying or hoarding starts distorting supply, according to a report by The Philippine Star. The agency said the move would only be used when needed as the Philippines deals with an energy emergency linked to the Middle East conflict and rising global oil prices.
DOE officials said new anti-hoarding guidelines are being rolled out to define prohibited acts, tighten oversight on container-based fuel transactions, and speed up enforcement. The goal, ayon sa ahensya, is to keep petroleum products moving where they are needed and avoid artificial shortages that could hurt commuters, businesses, and households.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the framework is meant to protect consumers while supporting economic activity and public order. The DOE is also reviving its joint task force with the Department of Justice so reports of hoarding can be investigated faster and legal action can follow if violations are found.
Based on the latest DOE data cited in the article, the country still had around 50 days of fuel stocks as of March 27, comfortably above the 15-day minimum requirement. Even so, lawmakers are already floating stronger emergency options, including possible retail price caps, if pump prices keep climbing.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, however, warned that price freezes should stay a last resort because they can discourage sales and trigger shortages without a subsidy mechanism. For now, the bigger message is clear: the government wants tighter visibility over fuel supply and pricing habang mataas ang pressure sa world oil market.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/02/2518509/doe-eyes-fuel-purchase-limits
