Dagupan City officials met with gas station owners on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to ensure proper operations and compliance with government rules as fuel prices surge and some stations shorten operating hours due to limited stocks.

City authorities reminded fuel retailers to follow policies meant to prevent hoarding, profiteering, and supply manipulation.

Records from the city government show that there are 31 gasoline stations operating in Dagupan. A monitoring team formed by the local government will oversee their operations to ensure consumers are protected.

Dagupan City Administrator Atty. Aurora Valle said station owners were asked to provide regular inventory reports to authorities.

“Gagawa ng inventory ang bawat gasoline owners. They actually furnish us the names, their mobile numbers, para malaman naming kung totoo na ganun ang gas nila na nandiyaan sa kanilang mga tangke,” Valle said.

Some gas stations in the city have shortened their operating hours as part of cost-cutting measures following the effects of the Middle East crisis.

One station in Barangay Lucao reduced its operations from 24 hours to just 12 hours, now open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The change took effect on March 14.

An operations manager, who declined to speak on camera, said their fuel supply is limited due to restricted deliveries. He added that continuing 24-hour operations could lead to supply shortages.

Gasoline stations also conduct daily inventory checks so authorities can monitor their fuel supply.

The city government urged station owners to allow motorists already in line to buy fuel before closing time.

“Bigyang priority ang mga farmers, bigyang priority ang mga jeepney drivers, banca owners at mga tricycle drivers kung puwede,” Valle said.

At one station, diesel prices have already reached more than P103 per liter, while gasoline sells for around P84.20 to P85.20 per liter.

Danny Alibuyog, a motorist, said the rising prices are difficult for consumers.

“Dapat ibaba nila ‘yung gas. Masyadong pahirap,” he said.

The city government said it will continue coordinating with fuel retailers to ensure stable supply and fair service for consumers.