Anti-hoarding, fuel dispensing guidelines you need to know about
Amid the fuel price hikes, motorists have flocked to gas stations, filling up their cars, motorcycles, and even containers to brace for the double-digit increase.
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that companies have agreed to stagger the price hike, with some oil firms committing to raise prices in increments of P2.50 or P10 per liter, and not P17 to P24 at once.
Even before the fuel price adjustments took effect on March 10, gas stations across the country had already reported that they were running out of fuel supplies due to a large number of customers lining up for gas while prices were still capped, according to The Philippine STAR.
Some users even shared that they've stockpiled gasoline to prepare for the steep price increase. One even went viral on Threads after they shared photos of three gallons of diesel stored in plastic water containers.
As the Philippines continues to be affected by the oil price hike brought about by tensions in the Middle East, the DOE reminded the public of anti-hoarding and fuel dispensing guidelines that they should know about.
"We will not tolerate any attempt to take advantage of the current situation at the expense of Filipino consumers," Garin said on March 5.
What is and isn't allowed?
Only legitimate operations like fishing vessels at sea, generator sets for hospitals, government, and telcos, and agricultural machinery may purchase fuel by big containers like one drum or 100 liters.
Filling up jerry cans for legitimate operational needs is allowed, as long as it's a proper container, as detailed in DOE Department Circular 2017-11-0011. Other receptacles like soda bottles, plastic containers, jugs, aboveground tanks, portable tanks, and road tankers are considered "bote-bote" and dispensing in such is deemed illegal training.
Gas stations caught dispensing fuels in inappropriate containers will be penalized with a P10,000 fine on the first offense.
"However, the use of these drums may be allowed for customers' own use in pre-identified situations and where a duly-notarized certification attesting to the fact is presented," the document read.
Appropriate portable containers must adhere to any existing international standard, specifically the American Society for Testing Materials F852099 and F976-02.
Meanwhile, the DOE stated that oil firms can implement purchase limits to avoid panic buying and ensure that there's enough supply. Retailers and suppliers will verify historical records and the nature of the business of buyers.
Why you shouldn't store fuel in plastic containers
The DOE has previously discouraged buying fuel in "bote-bote," as it poses "extreme danger" to people and the environment.
It said that storing fuel in unauthorized containers has a high likelihood of accidents, burns, and fatalities. Gasoline can also break down plastic and cause leaks. It may also contaminate your fuel and even damage your engine if used.
ICYMI, the DOE and Department of Information and Technology launched a complaint center in the eGOV PH app, where you can report panic buying, fuel hoarding, non-compliance with fuel pricing, unauthorized price increase, refusal to sell, and fuel shortage.
The conflict in the Middle East began when Israel, in coordination with the US, launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, taking out Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Retaliatory attacks have upended the region, as well as markets across the globe.
