CEBU CITY—Amid the skyrocketing prices of fuel, retail outlets were reminded not to resort to hoarding.
In an advisory, the Department of Energy-Visayas Field Unit (DOE-VFU) told retail outlets that hoarding petroleum products before a price increase or in times of tight supply is prohibited under Section 2 of Presidential Decree 1865.
“Undue accumulation of inventory by industry participant beyond normal inventory also constitutes hoarding of petroleum products,” the DOE-VFU said.
The hoarding of petroleum for retail is defined as refusal or failure to sell to the general public even when supply is available and a customer has the ability to pay in cash.
Those found guilty of hoarding may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to P50,000.
Similar penalties may also be imposed on industries committing such violation, the DOE-VFU warned.
The DOE-VFU advised the public to report hoarding activities to its Director Russ Mark Gamallo at mobile number 09158873357.
Another round of a hefty price increase was implemented on Tuesday, March 15, driving prices of diesel and gasoline products to as high as P80 per liter.