The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) jointly launched a new “Gas Station Concerns” feature on the eGovPH app as part of the government’s proactive efforts against rising oil prices.
The new feature forms part of Department of Energy efforts to protect consumers and strengthen monitoring of the oil industry at a time when many Filipinos are closely feeling the effects of movements in global oil prices. Through the eGovPH app, the public may report concerns involving the sale and distribution of petroleum products, including possible hoarding, unauthorized or excessive price increases, refusal to sell fuel and other related concerns.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the initiative reflects the government’s continuing commitment to protect consumers and make public assistance more accessible.
“Amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to affect the global oil market, it is important that our people have clear, reliable, and accessible ways to raise their concerns. This partnership between the DOE and the DICT strengthens our ability to receive reports, respond more quickly, enforce existing rules, and protect consumers from unfair practices,” Garin said.
The app expands existing consumer assistance channels, which include the agency’s official Facebook Messenger, email, telephone hotline and Hotline 8888. Garin and Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda teamed up to direct the integration of the reporting mechanism into the eGovPH super app.
