The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in General Santos City has warned the public against hoarding fuel amid the rising prices of petroleum products.

As of March 18, 2026, gasoline prices in some stations in the city have exceeded P95 per liter while diesel prices have gone beyond P113 per liter.

BPF said in the event of supply shortage, some individuals may resort to panic buying and store fuel using non-standard fuel containers.

“We anticipate that possible scenario kasi pag may panic buying, maybe yung iba hindi standard yung container. Alam  kasi natin, doon ang vehicle mismo ang magpakarga. Kung hindi meron talaga siyang storage clearance of conveyance,” BFP-GenSan Community Relation Section Chief, SF03 Romeo Gentapanan, said.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), fuel hoarding is prohibited, and bulk purchases may only be allowed after proper verification.

Authorities added that only fuel-grade approved containers should be used for storage.

“Gusto naman ni DOE may equal access of distribution of fuel sa lahat. Di po  dapat maghoarding. May indicator naman. Kung sinasabing hoarding. Ang mag-determine niyan is mga gasolinahan stations or retainers. Kung the usual bumibili, for example sa fishing, agricultural, ang others mga P.O., kung the usual na ginagawa, it may be allowed provided that they will be using fuel-grade approved container,” GenSan Business Permits and Licensing Division Acting Chief, Atty. Rowi Arbilon Malayag, said.

BFP also warned that storing fuel at home using ordinary containers such as plastic jugs or gallons could easily lead to fire incidents.