Piston urges President Marcos: Issue EO to address fuel price increases

The measure follows department advisories directing oil companies and downstream oil industry participants to comply with price directives amid current conflicts in the Middle East, which is potentially impacting global supply and price volatility.

As part of this effort, DOE-7 conducted surprise inspections in various gasoline stations across Metro Cebu on March 10.

“Ang gibuhat ra namo ‘ron is to check the prices, if they followed the prices ngagi-indicate sa major companies. And also, to check the inventory if there are any unusual practices,” said DOE Visayas Field Office Science Research Specialist II Rowela Muro.

Muro added that the inspection for the Visayas region began on March 7 and has since continued through on-site visits and phone checks.

On March 6, DOE issued an advisory directing all oil companies to follow mandated prices for petroleum products, including staggered price adjustments expected to take effect within the week.

The advisory also prohibited gas stations from implementing any price increase ahead of schedule, engaging in profiteering, or assisting others in doing the same.

Anti-hoarding of fuel law

A clarificatory guidance for anti-hoarding and fuel dispensing measures was also distributed by the DOE to the gas stations to ensure continued availability and equitable distribution of petroleum products.

The document stipulates strict compliance with anti-hoarding provisions of Batas Pambansa (BP) Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, for all gasoline stations.

According to the Supreme Court E-library, BP33 defines hoarding as the undue accumulation of petroleum products beyond normal inventory levels; the unjustified refusal to dispose of, sell or distribute the same to consumers; or the unreasonable accumulation by a person other than a trader.

The guidance states that priority access to fuel is granted to essential services, including emergency response units, hospitals and medical facilities, government operations, public transportation, and telecommunications and critical infrastructure.

Under DOE Department Circular DC2017-11-0011, fuel retailers are allowed to dispense petroleum products into appropriate and safe portable containers, such as jerry cans, provided these are used solely for legitimate operational purposes and that the transaction complies with the circular’s provisions.

Customers who normally purchase fuel in drums or portable containers, as well as those using fleet or company-issued fuel cards, are permitted to do so. Eligible users include fishing vessels, marine equipment, sea transport operations, agricultural machinery and equipment, essential services, and their generator sets.

Fuel retailers should ensure that containers are safe, appropriate, suitable for fuel storage, not defective or hazardous, and that the volume purchased is consistent with legitimate operational needs.

Outside of these circumstances, petroleum products must only be dispensed directly into the vehicle’s fuel tank.

Retailers should also review historical purchase patterns of regular customers to ensure transactions remain consistent with operational requirements, subject to verification for patterns that exceed normal levels.

They are also advised to exercise due diligence when assessing transactions with unusually large volumes, multiple container purchases in a short period, or buyers without a clear operational need.

Factors to consider in the assessment include the customer’s historical purchase records, the type of business or operational activity, the typical fuel consumption of equipment or vehicles, and the frequency and volume of purchases.

The guidance further explains that retailers may temporarily impose reasonable purchase limits per vehicle during periods of potential supply disruption to prevent panic buying and hoarding, and ensure access to available supply.

If suspicions of hoarding activities arise, retailers are encouraged to verify the buyer’s intended use and operational requirement, limit the transaction to reasonable operational volumes, document the transaction when necessary, and coordinate with the DOE for further actions.

The DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), may undertake monitoring, validation, and enforcement actions where violations are suspected, pursuant to relevant legal bases.

The department expresses to continue monitoring developments in the global oil market, and take necessary measures in ensuring stable and adequate nationwide petroleum supply.

Provincial board seeks talks on fuel subsidies

The Cebu Provincial Board has proposed a resolution inviting key national government agencies (NGAs) to attend its regular session and discuss possible fuel subsidies for the transport sector and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The measure, authored by Board Member Celestino “Tining” A. Martinez III, calls on representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to attend the provincial board’s regular session scheduled on March 16, 2026.

According to the proposed measure, the meeting aims to explore the possibility of providing a fuel subsidy and other forms of assistance for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers who continue to face challenges due to rising fuel prices.

PUV operators and drivers remain among the most vulnerable sectors affected by fluctuations in fuel costs. Fuel expenses account for a significant portion of their daily operational costs, which directly impacts their income and livelihood.

“WHEREAS, the immediate impact of fuel price increases may compel operators to reduce trips or cease operations if no interim financial assistance is provided, thereby affecting public mobility and economic activity within the Province of Cebu,” a portion of the resolution read.

The resolution highlighted concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have contributed to volatility in global oil prices. Such developments may lead to further increases in fuel prices, which could affect transport operators as well as commuters who rely on public transportation.

As cited in the resolution, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the national government, through the DOTr and LTFRB, implemented fuel subsidy programs that provided direct financial assistance to transport operators and drivers to help mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs.

These previous initiatives served as a basis for the provincial board’s proposal to revisit similar assistance measures that could again provide relief to the transport sector, particularly if fuel prices continue to rise.

Sudden fuel price increases have greatly affected public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers in Cebu, as fuel expenses make up a large portion of their daily operating costs.

When prices rise unexpectedly, their income is reduced while they still need to continue providing transportation services to the public.

To address this issue, Board Member Celestino A. Martinez III introduced a resolution in the SangguniangPanlalawigan of Cebu requesting assistance from the DOTr and LTFRB.

The proposal calls for fuel subsidies and other financial support for transport operators and drivers to help them cope with rising fuel costs.

The resolution also recommends that assistance programs include both consolidated and non-consolidated operators, such as jeepneys, buses, UV Express vans, and tricycles.

Other forms of support like fuel vouchers, cash assistance, and service contracting programs are also suggested to help maintain operations without immediately increasing fares.

Through this measure, the Capitol aims to protect the livelihood of transport workers while keeping public transportation affordable and accessible for commuters.

Aside from addressing transport concerns, the resolution also seeks to strengthen support for overseas Filipino workers by proposing the establishment of a provincial OFW help desk, particularly those assigned in countries experiencing conflict or political instability.

“The current situation and welfare of OFWs deployed in conflict-affected areas abroad, including the possible establishment of a Provincial OFW Help Desk to assist their families within the Province of Cebu,” the resolution read.

The proposed Help Desk would serve as a local support center where OFWs and their families can seek assistance, information, and services related to employment concerns, welfare programs, and government support.

The Martinez proposed resolution would urge OWWA to intensify its monitoring of OFWs currently residing and working in high-risk areas abroad. It emphasizes the importance of close coordination between NGAs and local government units in Cebu.

City workers told: No vehicle idling

The Cebu City government has directed all employees and personnel using government vehicles to avoid leaving engines running while parked or on standby, in line with the recommended measure to conserve fuel and ensure the responsible use of public resources.

Mayor Nestor D. Archival approved the recommendation, then issued the directive, first raised in a letter by Vice Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña, who specifically recommended that “all Cebu City Hall employees and personnel using government vehicles refrain from idling their vehicles while parked or on standby.”

The directive, binding across city government offices, also made clear that any personnel found violating the measure would be dealt with in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

The announcement comes as residents face steep increases in fuel costs beginning today. Diesel prices in the city have risen by ₱17.50 to ₱24.25 per liter, gasoline by ₱7.00 to ₱13.00 per liter, and kerosene by ₱32.00 to ₱38.50 per liter, based on the information released by the City’s Public Information Office.

The Department of Energy explained that the adjustments are driven by global oil price shocks linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed international crude prices higher.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin described the increase as “the highest jump” in recent memory, noting that oil firms agreed to stagger the hikes over several days rather than impose them all at once.

The Cebu City Government has urged motorists to plan fuel purchases carefully and remain attentive to official advisories.

To help households cope with the impact of rising energy costs, the City’s PIO has also circulated practical conservation tips, encouraging residents to turn off lights when not in use, set air conditioners to reasonable temperatures, unplug idle electronics, and keep appliances clean to maximize efficiency.

By combining institutional discipline with household energy-saving practices, the city stresses its commitment to safeguarding resources and easing the burden on families during this period of global fuel volatility.