CEBU CITY – Erring fuel retailers watch out.
The Department of Energy (DOE) warned that it has intensified its crackdown on fuel retailers selling petroleum products beyond the prescribed price ranges.
DOE-Visayas Field Office Director Renante Sevilla said the agency is serious in its campaign to prevent retailers from overpricing as consumers face a P3-per-kilogram increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices this June despite assurances of ample and stable fuel supplies.
Sevilla said show-cause orders have been issued to several fuel retailers in Cebu province, Cebu City, Iloilo, and Bacolod City for prices exceeding the DOE's allowable range.
“Most of them have presented their official receipts and delivery documents, so we were able to verify that prices had indeed increased,” Sevilla told reporters here.
To screen out abusive retailers, the DOE has been working closely with local government units and the Philippine National Police to strengthen monitoring efforts.
Sevilla said the DOE is focusing more on far-flung areas where alleged overpricing is rampant.
Administrative sanctions and possible closure may be slapped against retailers who fail to justify their price increases.
Sevilla assured consumers that fuel and LPG supplies remain sufficient.
He said no supply issues have been recorded in Central Visayas, although weather-related logistical delays occasionally affect fuel deliveries.