The Department of Energy (DOE) has strongly warned ‘profiteers’ of oil commodities that they will be penalized for illegal retailing activities in the calamity-stricken areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

The energy department reported this week that several gasoline stations as well as depots in the typhoon-hit areas had been rendered inoperable. The agency also acknowledged circulating information that some unscrupulous individuals have been taking advantage of the situation.

Illegal ways of selling petroleum products are carried out either in a ‘bote-bote’ retailing system (or illegally selling fuel in bottles); or the products are exorbitantly priced at the scale of P90 to P100 per liter.

In a memorandum, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi called on the oil industry players as well as the public to “stay vigilant,” and for them to “ensure that oil facilities and retail outlets in these areas remain operational at all times.”

IN cases of lawless elements exploiting the hapless situation in the disaster-whacked areas, he advised that relevant parties must immediately “collaborate with the authorities,” so complaints can be immediately acted upon.

Oil firms were similarly instructed to “avoid implementing volume quota to consumers in the affected areas, implement reasonable prices and ensure non-profiteering at all times.”

Additionally, Cusi has directed oil companies to “prioritize the assessment of damages in the oil facilities and accelerate the rehabilitation efforts to fast-track the delivery of fuels in the affected areas.”

Tagged by the DOE as critical areas had been those in Siargao Island; Cebu province; Bohol province; Butuan City; Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte; Guimaras province as well as Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental provinces.

In terms of delivery and ensuring continuous flow of fuel supply, the priority sectors and calamity-response undertakings demarcated by the DOE include the vaccine storage facilities; power-related infrastructure assets; power restoration activities; hospitals and other emergency health facilities; government agencies involved in rescue; relief and rehabilitation operations; communications services; food transport; and other entities/parties involved in restoration activities.

The energy chief emphasized that the oil companies must “accommodate and give preference to the above-mentioned facilities and allow the owners to negotiate with dealers, if needed.”

Cusi said “the dealers in the area should be given corresponding advice to develop a scheme for efficient dispatch,” including the provision of priority lane or dedicating a station for the priority sector.