The oil price hike continues to give struggles to motorists and gas stations
A total of 403 gas stations in various parts of the country have closed after consecutive weeks of “super big-time oil price hikes,” the national police reported.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said that the number of closed stations grew quickly from 273 the previous Wednesday to 403 by Monday, March 18.
The PNP has targeted 14,313 gas stations since the second week of the month when it began implementing the oil price hike, or an extremely high increase in the price of petroleum products.
Tuaño added that the closures are being investigated for hoarding or profiteering in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).
Several gas station owners in Nueva Vizcaya, Albay, and Eastern Samar have been charged, based on the report from GMA News Online.
The PNP is closely watching gas stations that have shut down, amid fears of hoarding and price manipulation. PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said, “We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the situation in the Middle East.”
However, Nartatez said that if the sudden closure is for an illegal scheme, then the gas station should expect police action on this matter.
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported on Monday, March 23, that another big-time oil price hike is set to happen on Tuesday, March 24. Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that it is expected that gasoline prices may increase by around P6.47 per liter.
Motorists could also expect an increase of P11.88 per liter for diesel, while Kerosene is expected to reach the increase of P13.66 per liter. The DOE assured that the current fuel supply in the country is expected to last until the first week of May as more shipments arrive.
