By Betheena Unite
Another batch of petroleum products in a facility in Bataan have been marked to comply with the implementation of the fuel marking program of the government, the Bureau of Customs said Monday.
(BOC / MANILA BULLETIN)
Another batch of Mogas Base Fuel, with estimated volume of 11.6 million liters onboard MT Sichem Mumbai, was marked at the import terminal facility of Unioil in Bataan Sunday.
Unioil was the second petroleum company to comply with the program, next to Seaoil Philippines, Inc. in Batangas while the Insular Oil Corporation in Subic followed suit last week.
According to the bureau, a total of 94.9 million liters of fuel have already been marked at Unioil since its initial marking on October 22. It is equivalent to collected duties and taxes amounting to P719 million.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Teddy Raval, who heads the implementing office of the government's fuel marking program, encouraged other oil firms to have their fuel marked and to work with concerned agencies to avoid unwanted prosecution.
With only three months away from the nationwide testing of fuel in the retail side which will be enforced starting February 3, 2020, the Customs bureau, headed by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Finance and fuel marking provider SICPA-SGS Philippines continue to work closely with oil companies in the country to expedite the marking of petroleum products before the deadline.
Starting February 3, 2020, testing of fuel in the retail side as well as enforcement actions will be implemented.
Gasoline, diesel, and kerosene found to be unmarked will be seized and penalties will be imposed against those who are storing, transporting, importing, or peddling unmarked fuel.
The fuel marking program is an anti-oil smuggling drive implemented by the Customs bureau to curb illicit trade of petroleum products and is expected to help return the stolen revenue to the government.