The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified nationwide monitoring to prevent fuel hoarding and price manipulation as tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over a possible oil supply crisis.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all police units have been directed to include gasoline stations in their routine visibility patrols following a request for assistance from the Department of Energy (DOE).
“The government exists to strike a balance between the interests of the business sector and the protection and welfare of the consumers. We in the Philippine National Police will make sure that it goes that way amid the effects of the situation in the Middle East,” he said.
According to the PNP, there are about 14,000 gasoline stations nationwide. Territorial police units have been tasked to conduct operations against possible hoarding, while specialized groups such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Maritime Group, and Highway Patrol Group have been mobilized to investigate suspicious activities in the fuel supply chain.
Nartatez urged fuel station owners and operators to strictly comply with DOE pricing guidelines, warning that intelligence units are closely monitoring warehouses and supply facilities.
“Our intelligence units are monitoring warehouses for possible hoarding and other similar illegal activities,” he said.
The PNP has also coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units to conduct spot checks on fuel retailers, ensuring compliance with the DOE’s “no price change” directive, which remains in effect until Tuesday.
Authorities said monitoring and enforcement will continue nationwide until the situation stabilizes.