Cases filed vs. gas stations in Nueva Vizcaya, Eastern Samar for overpricing

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said cases have been filed against two gas stations in Nueva Vizcaya and Eastern Samar for overpricing fuel products amid the surge in pump prices due to Middle East tensions.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the profiteering violations were uncovered during monitoring and validation efforts with the Department of Energy (DOE).

“Meron na po tayong dalawa na kinasuhan. Ito po sa Nueva Viscaya at sa Eastern Samar na kung saan, hindi po sa hoarding, kundi nagbebenta ng mas mataas na presyo,” he said at Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum.

(We already have two cases. This one in Nueva Viscaya and Eastern Samar, not for hoarding, but for selling at a higher price.)

These overpricing incidents were validated after calls via 911 hotline from concerned citizens, the PNP official said.

“Kung sakaling meron silang mga impormasyon na natatanggap, dial lang po sa 911, nais nating banggitin na yung insidente natin sa Nueva Vizcaya at sa Region 8 ito po ay itinawag ng isang concerned citizen sa atin sa 911 kung saan nasampahan na rin nating kaso,” Tuaño said.

(In case they have any information that they receive, just dial 911, we would like to mention that the incident in Nueva Vizcaya and Region 8 was called to us by a concerned citizen at 911 where we have already filed a case.)

According to Tuaño, the DOE tapped the police organization to help enforce regulations, particularly by monitoring gasoline stations that either refuse to sell fuel or impose unauthorized price hikes.

A total of 372 gas stations have shut down across the country as of Wednesday amid the rising fuel prices, Tuaño said.

Earlier, the PNP said it has intensified monitoring of gasoline stations that have reportedly stopped operations.

The PNP expressed concerns about possible hoarding and price manipulation.

“We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the situation in the Middle East,” PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. earlier said.

“But if the sudden closure is for illegal scheme, then expect police action on this matter,” he added.

The spike in oil prices has been largely driven by ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, which have disrupted global supply and heightened market volatility. — with reports from JP Soriano/ VAL, GMA Integrated News