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The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified monitoring of gasoline stations that have reportedly stopped operations amid the fuel price hikes.
In a statement, the PNP expressed concerns about possible hoarding and price manipulation.
“We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the situation in the Middle East,” PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Sunday.
“But if the sudden closure is for illegal scheme, then expect police action on this matter,” he added.
The Department of Energy (DOE) tapped the PNP to assist in checking gas stations that are allegedly taking advantage of the global oil crisis amid the tensions in the Middle East.
According to the police, some netizens complained of unannounced closure of some gas stations and asked the national government to look into possible hoarding and price manipulation.
Chiefs of police were directed to work with the DOE and local government units to check the reason behind the sudden closure of these gas stations.
Help desks are set up nationwide to receive reports from the public.
Police personnel will visit stations suspected of hoarding fuel or inflating prices.
They will also be deployed near critical supply points to ensure compliance and to prevent any interruptions in service that could affect motorists.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
