PNP: 415 gas stations shut for hoarding, overpricing
The Philippine National Police said 415 gas stations across the country had been closed down as of Wednesday for defying government warnings against hoarding, overpricing and other unfair business practices amid the oil price surge triggered by the Middle East conflict.
The PNP said most the closures were recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (78 stations), followed by Cagayan Valley (50), Central Luzon (42), Calabarzon (35) and the Bicol region (30).
“As the effects of the global crisis reach us, we expect attempts at hoarding, overpricing, and even scams,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in the statement. “We warn those planning to take advantage: the PNP will not hesitate to enforce the law.”
Nartartez encouraged the public to immediately report any irregularity they observe in gas stations, but also to avoid spreading unverified information.
The PNP continues to coordinate with the Department of Energy and local governments in monitoring fuel supply and the implementation of the price increases, he added.
Meanwhile, Nartatez reported that PNP camps and other installations nationwide had begun taking energy conservation measures.
“The PNP will also conduct internal audits of camp expenditures to identify areas for cost reduction without affecting operational capacity. Logistics and supply chains for food, fuel, and utilities will be optimized nationwide,” he said.
The cost-cutting measures, he said, should not have any effect on the PNP’s services.
“Our quick-response time remains. We are cutting costs in the offices and headquarters so that we can keep our patrol cars running on the streets.”
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