PNP runs after price manipulators, hoarders amid oil supply concerns over Middle East tensions

Posted by ReyFort Media

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered commanders of territorial and support units to assist the Department of Energy (DOE) in running after oil price manipulators amid the tensions in the Middle East.

He said police units were also instructed to conduct operations against hoarders of petroleum products who are affecting the supply and pricing of petroleum products in the country.

“The government exists to strike a balance between the interests of the business sector and the protection and welfare of the consumers. We in the Philippine National Police will make sure that it goes that way amid the effects of the situation in the Middle East,” said Nartatez.

In response to the request for assistance, Nartatez said they will establish coordination protocol with the DOE in terms of monitoring oil prices and responding to complaints relating to oil prices.

This includes complaints coursed through the DOE from motorists in relation to unfair and unreasonable pricing, especially in the provinces.

Nartatez then urged gas station owners to strictly follow the oil pricing rules and regulations set by the government through the DOE, as he emphasized the need for the Filipinos to work together to overcome the challenge. 

There are around 14,000 gasoline stations across the country and DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said it already asked the PNP to help monitor the oil pricing across the country against possible price manipulation.

In response, Nartatez tasked all territorial units to include gas stations in the conduct of the routine patrol in their respective areas of responsibility.

“Our intelligence units are monitoring warehouses for possible hoarding and other similar illegal activities. We will arrest anyone caught illegally withholding supply to spike prices,” Nartatez said.

He said the PNP has also coordinated with other concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the local government units (LGUs) to boost the conduct of spot checks on retailers to verify if businesses are complying with the DOE’s “no price change” order until Tuesday. 

Nartatez said the monitoring assistance will continue until the situation normalizes. (A. Recuenco/mb.com)