Baguio: The city government said Wednesday that gasoline stations here are generally compliant with measures against overpricing and hoarding of fuel. Darryl Kim Longid, head of the city's Public Order and Safety Division, in a video statement posted by the Public Information Office, said that based on the report of the Local Price Monitoring Council, only a few gasoline stations were ordered to explain deviations to the price adjustments and schedules set by the Department of Energy (DOE).
According to Philippines News Agency, Longid mentioned that inspections were conducted at key gas stations to ensure adherence to the DOE's guidelines on price increases amid the global fuel crisis. It was observed that most stations are complying with the regulations. However, some operators of non-compliant stations indicated that price adjustment directives came from their companies' head offices.
He noted that the council will continue monitoring fuel prices, which are influenced by tensions in the Middle East. It was also observed that some gas stations faced shortages of certain fuel varieties. Additionally, Longid highlighted the implementation of anti-hoarding measures by gas station operators, restricting refills to vehicle tanks only.
Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan raised concerns in a congressional hearing about the significant discrepancy in fuel prices in Baguio, which are PHP10 to PHP15 higher per liter compared to La Union and parts of Benguet province. The city government has warned gasoline stations about potential revocation of business permits if found engaging in unfair trade practices.
The Local Price Monitoring Council is also overseeing the prices of basic commodities to protect consumers from undue price hikes.