Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured farmers and fisherfolk they may continue purchasing petroleum products using portable containers following an update to distribution guidelines.
He said the Department of Energy allowed the use of fuel-grade containers such as jerry cans and drums, provided they comply with safeguards against hoarding and ensure fair fuel distribution during a national energy emergency.
“Our farmers and fisherfolk could rest assured that they will continue to have access to the fuel they need for their productive activities,” Tiu Laurel said.
Tiu Laurel said only farmers operating agricultural machinery like tractors and irrigation pumps, as well as fishing vessels and marine equipment, are allowed to purchase using the portable containers.
The Department of Energy said buyers should present proof of operational need, including business permits, certifications or purchase orders, to validate fuel requirements.
Monitoring teams composed of local government units and police have been deployed to gasoline stations to enforce anti-hoarding rules and fuel management policies.
Inspectors are monitoring inventory levels, daily sales and unusual purchasing patterns, including bulk or repeated transactions within short periods. While large-volume purchases are not automatically considered hoarding, authorities are required to verify their legitimacy.
Fuel stations may impose temporary purchase limits per vehicle to prevent stockpiling and ensure equitable access.
The Department of Energy said that essential sectors, including agriculture and fisheries, should be prioritized during supply disruptions.
