The Philippine National Police has reported that 403 gas stations have ceased operations across the country, mostly in the provinces. This number is nearly double the reported 273 stations from last week.
Given the skyrocketing price of fuel, a consequence of the closing of the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in the Middle East, authorities are keeping a close eye on possible hoarding and profiteering schemes among industry players.
Per PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño, the PNP have already sent to the Department of Energy the compiled list of temporarily closed stations. It is up to the agency to verify and determine if any of the closures are illegal, and the PNP will carry out the necessary actions thereafter.
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In an earlier statement, PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said: “We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the situation in the Middle East. But if the sudden closure is for [an] illegal scheme, then expect police action on this matter.”
The PNP has already carried out arrests in cases related to illegal selling, hoarding, and profiteering with relation to fuel. These cases occurred in Nueva Vizcaya, Eastern Samar, and Albay.
As of the time of writing, the Philippines’ fuel supply is projected to last until mid-April.
