THE City Treasurer’s Office-Licensing Division conducts inspection of gasoline stations in Bacolod City on Monday, March 9. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – The City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) is monitoring gasoline stations here to ensure strict compliance with oil price regulations as global market pressures continue to drive up fuel costs.
The monitoring followed the announcement of the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding significant fuel price increases.
Mayor Greg Gasataya directed authorities to conduct regular monitoring of gasoline stations, stressing that fuel retailers must not implement price increases before the scheduled adjustment date and must avoid hoarding which is considered illegal.
During the initial inspection on Monday, March 9, four gasoline stations were monitored.
One station was found to have raised fuel prices ahead of the scheduled adjustment on March 10 and explained that the early increase was due to a price hike from the supplier.
A motorist expressed concern over the continued rise in fuel prices, saying this may force him to reduce the use of his vehicle and commute instead. “This is no longer a normal increase. Fuel used to be cheaper,” he added.
City Administrator Mark Mayo urged business owners to operate fairly and responsibly, particularly during this challenging period.
“We are appealing to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law,” Mayo said.
He assured that the city government is ready to coordinate with the DOE in investigating any violations.
Mayo added that the city will submit monitoring reports to the DOE which has the authority to impose sanctions on establishments found violating fuel price regulations.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on gasoline stations in the province to act responsibly and with conscience. “The reality is prices have been increasing every week,” he said.
During a media interview on Monday, March 9, Lacson acknowledged that while government agencies have provided explanations about the situation, many people find it difficult to understand why prices keep going up.
“I think more than ever, we need to pray very hard as this Middle East situation may get out of hand, and even worst, spread all over the world. We hope that will not happen,” the governor said.