Don't you wish you knew the pump fuel prices at a specific gasoline station before even going there?
Motorists will have this convenience soon thanks to a partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and motorcycle taxi riding service Angkas. The partnership facilitates the real-time monitoring of pump prices at individual stations via a mobile phone platform.
Developed by the DOE, the platform allows Angkas riders to scan DOE quick response (QR) codes to report fuel prices to consumers, as posted in a specific retail outlet (RO). An assessment on the services and facilities of ROs is also included.
“This initiative is another testament to the DOE’s commitment in ensuring the responsiveness of our liquid fuels retail market under a regime of fair prices and quality public service,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
The program will run from July 12 to November 15, 2021 to cover ROs within Metro Manila. But pilot testing is already being conducted in the cities of Makati and Taguig to identify potential areas of improvement that would help ensure the efficiency of the program.
DOE teams have posted QR codes in strategic locations at various Makati and Taguig gasoline stations for the scanning and reporting of Angkas riders.
To further strengthen the program, the DOE and Angkas will be entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) before the formal launch of the program.
Expressing their support to the program are oil players Chevron Philippines, Inc.; PTT Philippines Corporation; Petro Gazz; Petron Corporation; Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.; Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation; Seaoil Philippines, Inc.; TWA/Flying V and Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
The DOE said that a “Seal of Excellence” will also be awarded to exemplary ROs that comply with downstream oil industry rules and regulations, provide quality services, and maintain the cleanliness of their facilities.
The ROs will be evaluated based on four major categories: 1) cleanliness of forecourt, 2) cleanliness of comfort rooms, 3) good station personnel service, and 4) presence/availability of air and water facilities.