Philippines probes sudden closure of gas stations amid price hikes

Nationwide help desks have been opened to make it easier to submit complaints about gas stations. Read more at straitstimes.com.

MANILA – In an effort to protect consumers from hoarding and profiteering, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its monitoring of gas stations that abruptly stopped operating as fuel prices continue to surge.

“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,” PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr said on March 15.

Mr Nartatez ordered police chiefs to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to investigate the sudden shutdown of some gas stations without prior notice.

“We are also asking for help from our countrymen to immediately inform the authorities if you have information about gas stations that have closed or stopped operations. We will immediately go to them and investigate,” he said.

Mr Nartatez said help desks have been opened nationwide to make it easier for the public to report complaints about gas stations, with all reports to undergo careful review.

“We assure the public that the PNP has contingencies in place to ensure peace and order is not affected by the effects of the conflict in Iran or the rising fuel prices,” he said.