Busted! DOE Slaps 54 Gas Stations With Show-Cause Orders for Jumping the Gun on Price Hikes
The Department of Energy ain't playing around. As fuel prices skyrocketed starting today, March 10, the DOE has issued show-cause orders against 54 gasoline stations across the Philippines for allegedly jacking up prices ahead of schedule and without proper justification.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the crackdown, warning that stations caught engaging in fraudulent pricing could have their operating permits straight-up cancelled. "Kapag napakita rito na sila ay may mga fraudulent acts, maaari silang makanselan ang permit," Castro said in a briefing from New York City.
The action comes as oil companies roll out staggering price hikes — gasoline up by as much as P10.20 per liter, diesel by P24.25, and kerosene by a jaw-dropping P38.50. The DOE has coordinated a staggered implementation schedule with major players like Shell, Petron, Total, Caltex, and Seaoil to prevent panic buying, but some retailers apparently couldn't wait.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has confirmed that President Marcos will formally ask Congress to grant him emergency powers to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. The move aims to cushion the blow of the eighth consecutive week of fuel price increases, driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupting global oil supply.
Castro also delivered a pointed message to businesses thinking of profiteering: "Kayo ay madedemanda at maaari matanggalan pa kayo ng pagkakataon na makapagnegosyo." Translation? Exploit the crisis and you'll lose the right to do business. Period.
Source: Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin
