TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially deployed monitoring teams across Eastern Visayas to ensure the stability and accessibility of fuel supply amid rising global oil prices and potential distribution disruptions.
According to the DOE Visayas Field Office, three specialized teams have been assigned to various provinces in the region to monitor fuel availability, inspect gasoline stations, and coordinate with local authorities.
The initiative aims to prevent shortages, ensure compliance with government regulations, and protect consumers from possible hoarding or unfair pricing practices.
“These teams will work closely with local government units and the Philippine National Police to monitor fuel inventories and ensure that supply remains adequate for both consumers and essential services,” said Renante M. Sevilla, director of the DOE Visayas Field Office, during a regional coordination meeting.
Sevilla noted that proactive monitoring is necessary to address potential supply disruptions before they affect communities.
“By coordinating closely with LGUs and the PNP, we can proactively identify potential shortages and address them before they impact communities,” he said.
The deployment comes amid global volatility in oil markets that has triggered significant fuel price increases in the Philippines.
Energy officials earlier warned that pump prices could rise sharply due to international supply pressures linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and other global developments affecting oil production and distribution.
Aside from monitoring supply levels, DOE teams are also conducting inspections of petroleum retail outlets across Eastern Visayas. The inspections aim to verify stock inventories, check pump prices, and ensure compliance with existing government pricing guidelines.
Authorities noted that some reports of fuel shortages at certain stations may be misleading. “Some gasoline stations claim they have run out of supply, but in reality, they still have stocks,” an energy official said, stressing that verification efforts are crucial during periods of high demand or logistical challenges.
The DOE also urged fuel retailers to maintain transparency in reporting their inventory levels and warned that violations such as hoarding or price manipulation could result in administrative sanctions or legal action.
Local officials welcomed the initiative, saying it would help maintain public confidence and prevent panic buying in the region. The monitoring program is expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities track both supply levels and fuel price movements.
The DOE said safeguarding energy security remains a top priority, particularly for regions like Eastern Visayas where transportation, agriculture, and emergency services depend heavily on reliable fuel supply.
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