diesel prices

• Davao police to help prevent fuel hoarding amid price surge

By Rhoda Grace B Saron 

AS FUEL prices continue to climb, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) warned against petroleum hoarding, urging the public to report erring gas stations through the city’s 911 emergency hotline.

During a press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, March 11, PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey clarified that while the police do not have the authority to regulate oil prices, they have been mandated to act as the “eyes and ears” of the Department of Energy.

“The mandate of our regional director to all patrollers is to conduct patrols in gasoline stations so they can monitor the price and ensure no chaos happens,” Dela Rey said. 

The directive comes as authorities intensify monitoring of fuel retailers to ensure that the “unjustified refusal” to sell petroleum products does not further burden consumers already reeling from record-high pump prices.

In a public advisory, the DCPO clarified that hoarding involves the “undue accumulation of petroleum products beyond normal inventory levels.”

It also covers businesses that refuse to distribute or sell fuel to consumers without a valid justification—often a tactic used to wait for higher price points before releasing stock.

“We are calling on the public to be vigilant,” the DCPO stated. “Hoarding is not just a regulatory violation; it is a direct hit to the pockets of every Filipino who relies on these essential products.”

Dela Rey emphasized that the role of the police is strictly limited to security and information gathering.

Under the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the authority to act on overpricing remains with the Department of Energy.

“If there is something we see… because the DOE will give the pricing standard to us. If it is too much [above the standard], our patrollers will report it immediately to the station,” she explained.

When asked if the police would reprimand erring gas station owners on the spot, Dela Rey was firm: “No, because it’s not part of our [mandate]. The Department of Energy needs to act on that, but if they need security, we will provide it.”

Report to 911

To streamline enforcement, the DCPO funneled all hoarding reports into the city’s 911 emergency system.

Residents are encouraged to report any station claiming to be “out of stock” despite visible deliveries or those limiting sales without a technical cause.

In addition to the 911 hotline, the DCPO has provided several mobile and landline options for reporting:

SMART: 0998-579-7054 / 0919-070-2222

PLDT: 227-5777

Support for ‘culture of security’

The anti-hoarding campaign is part of Davao City’s broader “culture of security” program. 

By reporting these incidents, the police say citizens will help law enforcement and the Department of Energy (DOE) maintain a fair and transparent market during the energy crisis.

Under the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, businesses found guilty of hoarding or price manipulation face stiff administrative and criminal penalties, including the possible cancellation of their business permits.