Following the recent oil price hike linked to unrest in the Middle East, the Office of Civil Defense has formed a task force to monitor fuel prices and prevent profiteering at gasoline stations across Region 1.

The initiative aims to ensure that prices remain fair and that no one takes advantage of the high demand for petroleum products. The task force will work with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and other government agencies.

“We are going to do some price surveillance doon sa nilabas ng DOE kung saan ma-ensure natin na ‘yung trends na ginawa nila to ensure ‘yung fair market pricing across the region,” Laurence Mina, director of OCD-1, said.

Gasoline station owners or operators found exploiting the situation by charging prices above the Department of Energy’s ceiling will face immediate investigation. In Mangaldan, local police are helping monitor compliance.

“Talagang mino-monitor na natin kasama na kami para makapag-comply kami sa DILG,” PLTCOL. Perlito Tuayon, chief of Mangaldan Police Station, said.

The Department of Energy clarified that the use of drums or containers to buy petroleum products is allowed for legitimate operations such as fishing, agricultural machinery, telecommunications generators, and sea transport. Gas stations may also enforce reasonable purchase limits per vehicle if supply shortages are expected.