Issue EO to address fuel price increases

The transport group leader added that if the administration pursues emergency powers, the proposal would still need to be debated in the House of Representatives of the Philippines and the Senate of the Philippines, which could take time before approval.

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To recall, PISTON began on March 9, the first day of a series of protests scheduled this month to call the government's attention to the continuing increase in oil prices.

The group said the protests aim to convey to the administration the call of drivers and operators for immediate action to address the impact of high fuel prices on the transportation sector and the public.

DOE-7 MONITORS GAS STATIONS

To ensure fair fuel pricing and supply, the Department of Energy-Region VII (DOE7) is monitoring prices and inventories of gasoline stations, while implementing measures against hoarding.

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 nga gi-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 onsite 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