Bantay Presyo, Bantay LPG: PNP Warns Hoarders as Supply Tightens

The Philippine National Police has ordered a crackdown on LPG retailers accused of hoarding and manipulating prices as the country faces an energy crunch. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said local police units were told to intensify monitoring and stop traders from taking advantage of the situation.

According to Nartatez, the directive is meant to protect consumers from artificial price increases during a period of tight supply. He said the move follows instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to help secure enough petroleum products while the Middle East conflict continues to shake energy markets.

The police chief said coordination is already underway with local governments and other agencies so authorities can respond quickly to hoarding and profiteering. The message was simple: hindi puwedeng pagkakitaan ang panic ng mga kababayan.

The Department of Energy said it is closely watching LPG inventories, with supply estimated to last only up to 24 days including incoming deliveries. DOE data also showed gasoline and diesel supplies were still sufficient, but LPG had the thinnest buffer among key fuel products.

In Metro Manila, the price of a regular LPG tank has reportedly climbed from around P825 to more than P1,000 this month. Nartatez said the PNP would go after abusive retailers and promised that consumer protection would remain a priority while the government works on broader energy measures.

Source: The Manila Times — https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/27/news/pnp-chief-orders-crackdown-on-lpg-hoarders-profiteers/2309120