By Jerome Carlo Paunan
MANILA (PIA) — The Department of Energy has issued strict anti-hoarding guidelines for the downstream oil industry, moving to prevent artificial fuel shortages and protect Filipino consumers as global oil markets remain volatile amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announced the immediate effectivity of the Operating Guidelines Against Hoarding in the Downstream Oil Industry during a State of National Energy Emergency, reinforcing the Marcos Jr. administration’s whole-of-government drive to keep fuel accessible and fairly priced across the country.
“These guidelines are meant to ensure that petroleum products continue to move where they are needed, when they are needed, and at a level that protects consumers, supports economic activity, and upholds public order amid the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil markets,” Garin said.
The guidelines, issued consistent with the Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the DOE Act, and Executive Order No. 110, cover both commercial hoarding by industry players and consumer hoarding, including excessive or panic buying beyond normal household needs.
What the guidelines cover
The framework establishes clear definitions of prohibited acts and hoarding indicators, sets temporary fuel purchase limits when necessary, and tightens regulation of container-based fuel transactions.
Enhanced monitoring will be carried out through the Emergency Petroleum Monitoring System, which tracks inventory levels, supply movements, and fuel distribution in real time. Enforcement procedures include the issuance of Show Cause Orders with defined timelines for evaluation and case action.
To ensure teeth behind the rules, the DOE is reconvening its joint task force with the Department of Justice to receive and act on hoarding reports, determine violations, and initiate administrative and criminal proceedings under existing laws.
The DOE is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and local government units to strengthen nationwide monitoring and enforcement.
No need to panic buy
The DOE stressed that the measures are temporary, targeted, and proportionate to the requirements of the declared State of National Energy Emergency, and are designed to preserve supply stability without dismantling the country’s market-based oil industry framework.
The department reassured the public that fuel supply conditions are being closely monitored and that there is no basis for panic buying or stockpiling.
The guidelines take effect immediately and remain in force for the duration of the State of National Energy Emergency, unless sooner revoked by the DOE.
The anti-hoarding measures form part of the broader UPLIFT program activated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in response to the economic pressures brought by the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and threatened to push fuel and food prices higher across the Philippines. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
0 Comments