DOE issues show cause order vs 54 gas stations for increasing prices

The Department of Energy has issued show cause order against 54 gasoline stations for allegedly increasing their prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

In a report on Unang Hirit Monday, GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong said Castro made the announcement to reporters covering the work visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos in the United States.

Castro also warned those taking advantage of the situation that the government will deal with them. 

"Sa mga tao po hindi po dapat kayo magsamantala. Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay magtulungan tayo. Kapag kayo po ay nagsamantala, meron po kayong kalalagyan. Kayo po ay madedemanda at maaaring matanggalan pa po kayo ng pagkakataon na kayo ay makapagnegosyo," she said.

In a separate interview on Unang Hirit, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said they will be filing cases to the 54 gasoline stations.

"Ang masama ay may mga nag-hoard o may ibang gasolinahan na naghihintay ng akyat presyo at ayaw magbenta. So 'yan po 'yung mga kakasuhan po natin at ipapasara po ng DOE. Alam ninyo po hindi na makatarungan ang ginagawa nila, perwisyo sa bayan o sa mga kababayan natin," she said. 

"Actually sa ngayon ay mga 54 na ang mga kakasuhan namin na gasolinahan. So dumadami't dumadami po 'yan," she added.

Garin said the gasoline stations should not be prematurely increasing prices as they have enough supply. 

"May stock naman ang mga gas stations. Ang presyo, bakit magmahal siya? Mahal ang replacement cost niya. Pero hindi pa sila bumibili last week," she said. 

GMA Integrated News' Ian Cruz reported that DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella served a show cause order to a gasoline station in Pasig City. 

Fuentebella said the gasoline station should provide explanation within 24 hours upon receipt of the notice. He said based on an inspection conducted on March 7, the gasoline station failed to comply with the advisory issued by the DOE on the pricing of fuel products.

 —AOL, GMA Integrated News