BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city has not monitored hoarding of fuel supply that could lead to unjustified increase in prices since the start of the local government unit-led inspections last week.

“No hoarding has been recorded as of today,” Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go said on Wednesday.

The city’s fuel monitoring and inspection teams check about 16 gas stations daily as directed by Mayor Greg Gasataya, in response to concerns over fuel price increases caused by disruptions in oil transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz, following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran.

The teams are monitoring current retail prices of gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas; actual fuel supply inventories; enforcement of vehicle purchase limits, if applicable; and signs of hoarding, such as refusal to sell despite available stock.

The move aims to “ensure that fuel prices remain within the allowable range and that motorists are not burdened by unjustified increases.”

Go said the authority to issue violations remains with the Department of Energy (DOE) as he pointed out that if a gasoline station manager refuses to be monitored, it raises suspicion and such will be reported to the DOE for verification.

“The authority of our inspection team is to check its prices and inventory. As to the penalty and issuance of cease-and-desist order on any violation, only the DOE has the authority to do so,” he added.

City Administrator Mark Mayo earlier said the city government is ready to coordinate with the DOE in investigating any reported violations.

“We appeal to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law,” he added.

The fuel monitoring and inspection teams are composed of personnel from the City Mayor’s Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Legal Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Communications Office, and Bacolod City Police Office.