DOE Inspects Gasoline Stations Amid Reports of Diesel Shortage

The Department of Energy (DOE) in the Philippines has launched inspections of gasoline stations nationwide following reports that some outlets have run out of diesel fuel to sell to motorists. DOE-Oil Management Bureau director Rino Abad confirmed that the agency had already dispatched teams for on-site inspections after receiving media reports. "We have an overall policy now that all field offices and our head office will enforce on the ground and monitor all gasoline stations. This is to monitor hoarding, but also increasing prices above the mandated price adjustment," he stated. Abad acknowledged that with approximately 14,000 gasoline stations across the Philippines, it may not be possible to inspect every single one. However, he warned that any station found violating regulations, such as hoarding or failing to adhere to mandated price adjustments, would face penalties. "The inspections are ongoing from yesterday until Friday, and may continue next week. Reports are immediately forwarded to our legal office upon return, where show-cause orders are issued. If there is a warrant to penalize, we will penalize the violating stations," Abad explained. Reports indicate that some gasoline stations in Quezon City experienced diesel shortages as early as Monday night, as motorists rushed to refuel ahead of price increases scheduled to take effect on Tuesday morning. This latest oil price hike comes in the wake of renewed tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East. Source: GMA Money Philippines