CEBU CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued show-cause orders (SCO) to eight gasoline stations in Bohol for alleged overpricing.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado announced the development as he welcomed the issuance of the SCO to prevent establishments from profiteering.

“This is an important step to show that we are serious in our price monitoring because we will not allow some people to take advantage of the current crisis,” Aumentado said.

With the global challenges caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Aumentado pointed out that the province is closely monitoring the prices of basic goods.

The governor recently spearheaded a price monitoring coordination meeting with the Capitol’s department heads, various government agencies, and stakeholders from the private sector.

“During the meeting, we issued a directive for strict monitoring of the prices of basic necessities in the province, including the prices of food and fuel,” Aumentado said. Also tackled in the meeting was the planned assistance that will be given to affected sectors.

“We are providing assistance especially to the affected overseas Filipino workers, farmers, transport groups, and fisherfolk,” Aumentado said.

Amid the possible effects of the fuel crisis, the province has assured that it has a stable supply of rice. Aumentado also assured that the province is also ensuring that hospitals have sufficient supply of medicines.

The governor thanked local government units that are actively conducting strict price monitoring in their areas.