CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 13) — The Department of Energy (DOE) clarified Thursday that the purchase of fuel using fuel-grade drums or containers is permitted, but only for sectors with legitimate operational needs such as agriculture, hospitals, local government units, and telecommunications facilities.
The advisory comes as authorities monitor fuel supply and consumption amid concerns over potential disruptions in the global oil market linked to tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement, the DOE urged consumers to ensure that the amount of fuel they purchase is proportionate to their actual requirements and that safety standards in fuel storage and dispensing are strictly followed.
The agency also warned against hoarding and other irregular fuel purchase practices, encouraging the public to report violations through its Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office hotline at 8840-2267 or via email at cwpo@doe.gov.ph.
Reports may also be submitted through the government’s Hotline 8888, the DOE’s official Facebook page, or the eGovPH mobile application.
To strengthen monitoring, the DOE has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate a new “Gas Station Concerns” feature into the eGovPH app, allowing the public to easily report complaints involving fuel stations.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the initiative aims to enhance consumer protection and improve the government’s ability to respond to potential fuel market abuses.
“Amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to affect the global oil market, it is important that our people have clear, reliable, and accessible ways to raise their concerns,” Garin said.
She added that the partnership between the DOE and the DICT would enable authorities to respond faster to reports, enforce regulations more effectively, and safeguard consumers from unfair practices in the fuel sector.
