DOE partners with DICT to integrate ‘gas station concerns’ in eGovPH app

The Department of Energy (DOE) has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to integrate a fuel stations concern reporting feature in the government’s flagship one-stop-shop platform, eGovPH App.

In a news release on Thursday, the DOE said the launching of the “Gas Station Concerns” feature in the eGovPH App will give the public a faster and more accessible way to report consumer concerns involving fuel retail stations amid the ongoing volatility in petroleum prices due to the developments in the Middle East.

Both Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda directed the integration of the reporting mechanism into the eGovPH App.

With this, the public may report concerns involving the sale and distribution of petroleum products, including possible hoarding, unauthorized or excessive price increases, refusal to sell fuel, and other related concerns through the platform.

The DOE said reports may be supported with details such as photos or receipts to help facilitate proper review and action.

Under its reporting feature, users may select “Gas Station Concerns” and submit relevant information directly through the app.

To use the feature, users must first complete the app’s one-time registration process by providing their mobile number, verifying it through a one-time PIN, entering basic information, and completing facial recognition verification. 

Once registered, users may navigate to the “Report” feature, select “Gas Station Concerns,” choose the appropriate issue, and submit the necessary details together with supporting documents, if available.

After a report is filed, the user will receive a unique ticket number which may be used to track the status of the concern through the app. Updates may also be sent through text message. 

All reports submitted under the fuel complaint feature will be endorsed to the DOE and relevant agencies, such as the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG), Local Government Units, and Philippine National Police (PNP), for appropriate action.

The Energy Department said the integration of a fuel stations concern reporting mechanism in the government’s services platform expands it existing consumer assistance channels, which include the DOE Official Facebook Messenger, email, telephone hotline, and Hotline 8888.

The eGovPH App is a free, one-stop digital platform that integrates various national and local government services. 

“Amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to affect the global oil market, it is important that our people have clear, reliable, and accessible ways to raise their concerns. This partnership between the DOE and the DICT strengthens our ability to receive reports, respond more quickly, enforce existing rules, and protect consumers from unfair practices,” said Garin. —VAL, GMA Integratd News