• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City government said March 11 that it will intensify the monitoring and inspections of gasoline stations to ensure reasonable fuel pricing amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This as the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved two resolutions urging the police, as well as the departments of Trade and Industry and of Energy to make sure that there is no overpricing or hoarding, even as several oil companies already announced a lack or shortage of fuel.
“We will not tolerate overpricing and anyone trying to take advantage of the rising fuel prices,” Mayor Greg Gasayata stressed in a statement. “At a time when our people are already facing economic pressures, we stand firm to ensure that Bacolodnons are protected from those who seek to profit from struggle.”
Monitoring and inspection teams will be deployed to ensure fair pricing in Bacolod and see to it that fuel stations comply with authorized fuel price adjustments, Gasataya said. “Our teams, composed of representatives from the City Mayor’s Office, City Legal Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Communications Office, and the Bacolod City Police Office, will conduct inspections, document fuel supply conditions, and investigate any complaints or irregularities, in coordination with the Department of Energy.”
The SP said there is need to ensure that fuel price increases implemented by gasoline stations in Bacolod “are consistent with lawful price adjustments and not excessive or abusive, to the detriment of the consuming public.”
Councilor Bobby Rojas said the increasing cost of fuel significantly impacts the daily expenses of residents, public transport operators, and local businesses. “Gasoline stations and fuel retailers operate under a deregulated pricing system, making it necessary for proper government agencies, like the DTI, to ensure that price adjustments remain fair, reasonable, and justifiable.”
The city said 164 gas stations are registered in Bacolod, with 151 currently in operation.
Since March 10, oil companies implemented daily staggered increases in the pump prices of petroleum products to help ease the immediate burden on motorists, delivery riders, and businesses that rely on fuel for daily operations.
For this week, total per-liter increase ranges from P7-13 for gasoline, P17.50-P24.25 for diesel, and P32-38.50 for kerosene. This is the ninth straight week of increases for gasoline, and the 10th for diesel and kerosene since the start of the year, and the first time that the price adjustments are in double-digit. | CGC
