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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson urges public to report firms prematurely raising fuel prices

Lacson urges public to report firms prematurely raising fuel prices

Published Mar 8, 2026 03:06 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson warned that those who are raising fuel prices prematurely are violating Republic Act No. 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 and RA No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.


Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged the public to report to authorities gas stations that prematurely increase fuel prices ahead of scheduled oil price adjustments.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin)

Lacson warned that those who are raising fuel prices prematurely are violating Republic Act No. 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 and RA No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The public can report violations to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs), the senator said.

“Amid reports that some gasoline stations have already increased prices, they must be reported to authorities. Here’s why - Raising prices ahead of schedule or hoarding fuel may be liable for: 1) Hoarding & Profiteering - RA 8479; and 2) Unfair or deceptive sales practice - RA 7394,” Lacson said on his X account late Saturday.

https://x.com/i/status/2030218516583031068

“(You can report violations to the) PNP or LGU’s,” he said.

Lacson noted that the Department of Energy (DOE) has already alerted authorities over possible violation of these laws by some firms.

“As per DOE Sec Sharon Garin, they have cascaded instructions to the PNP, LGU’s, etc. to monitor and report violations so appropriate criminal and administrative proceedings may be initiated against erring gas station operators,” he added.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2030232693875822904

The senator reminded that consumer vigilance and prompt reporting of irregularities can help authorities enforce the law and protect the public from abusive pricing practices.

Under RA 8479, cartelization, predatory pricing, and other anti-competitive practices are prohibited to protect consumers.  Meanwhile, RA 7394 protects consumers from deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales practices.

Filipinos are bracing for another round of fuel price hikes as crude oil prices surge amid concerns over possible supply disruptions due to the tensions in the Middle East.

Earlier reports indicated prices of kerosene may go up by ₱24.92 per liter; diesel by ₱19.62 per liter; and gasoline by ₱10.43 per liter. Final price movements are scheduled for official announcement on Monday, March 9.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Oil price hike DOE PNP LGU
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