DOE, transport sector weigh in on Senate panel's fuel rationing proposal

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian's call for fuel rationing amid the country's energy emergency has gathered mixed reactions from different sectors of society.

The Department of Energy has agreed to limit fuel purchases only when necessary to prevent hoarding. 

The agency said the measure ensures that fuel remains available and accessible to Filipinos.

In addition, DOE said it has issued operating guidelines for monitoring, preventing, and enforcing anti-hoarding measures.

Meanwhile, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon opposed Gatchalian's idea, calling it "extreme" as the country still has 50 days' worth of fuel inventory.

“Ang kailangan pong pagpasyahan at this point, ano po ba ‘yung dapat po nga gawin ng gobyerno? Kasi syempre, it is a bit of an extreme measure already to ensure supply. I think ‘yung reports naman po ng Department of Energy as of yesterday, mataas pa naman po at acceptable pa ho ‘yung level of supply that we have currently,” he said on Wednesday, April 1.

"The proposed fuel rationing is just one of the many steps towards fuel security. Fuel rationing, o ang pagbibigay ng ticket o coupon sa bawat may-ari ng sasakyan, ay sa tingin namin, pinakahuli," Atty. Roberto Consunji of the Automobile Association of the Philippines said. "Dapat mauna muna ang fuel security natin. Dapat habaan natin ang fuel stock."

Fuel rationing is one of the many measures recommended by Gatchalian, head of the Senate ad hoc Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy, formed amid the ongoing Middle East conflict that has contributed to rising fuel prices. 

He said DOE has to prepare a framework for fuel rationing to prevent fuel shortages. 

“As early as now, mag-rasyon na tayo para ma-extend natin from 51 days… kung kaya ma-extend 'yan, to another 90 days or even longer, he said.

“Yes, I know it's unpopular at this point, but this is reality, hanggang 51 days lang ang ating gasoline.”

Other measures include price caps and a monthly financial aid for minimum wage earners.