The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued show-cause orders to a total of 55 gasoline stations following reports that they raised fuel prices without proper justification amid global oil market uncertainties. This initiative comes amid heightened volatility arising from the ongoing developments in the Middle East.
The DOE, through its Oil Industry Management Bureau and its field offices nationwide, has been working with the Philippine National Police and local government units (LGU) in conducting random inspections of various establishments and industry participants since March 6, 2026.
From these activities, the DOE has recorded 71 retail outlets which implemented price increases beyond the above announced adjustment, thus failing to comply with the department’s directives. As a result, 55 Show Cause
Orders were issued, and more are expected to be issued in the following days.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the action was taken after authorities received information that several fuel retailers increased prices despite the government’s call for restraint as tensions continue in the Middle East.
“Dahil nagkaproblema at marami daw na gasoline stations na nagtaas ng presyo nang hindi nararapat, nag-issue ang DOE ng show-cause order sa 54 gas stations para makita natin kung sila ba ay lumabag sa panawagan na huwag magtaas ng presyo ng gasolina,” Castro said, citing an earlier figure.
(Because problems arose and many gasoline stations allegedly raised prices unfairly, the DOE issued show-cause orders to 54 gas stations to determine whether they violated the call not to increase gasoline prices.)
The show-cause orders require the establishments to explain why they should not face penalties for the alleged premature or unjustified price hikes.
Castro warned that gasoline stations found to have committed fraudulent acts could face serious sanctions, including the cancellation of their permits.
“Kapag napakita rito na sila ay may mga fraudulent acts, maaari silang makanselan ang permit sa kanilang mga transaction,” she said.
(Because problems arose and many gasoline stations allegedly raised prices unfairly, the DOE issued show-cause orders to 54 gas stations to determine whether they violated the call not to increase gasoline prices.)
The Palace official said the warning also reflects the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for businesses to act responsibly and avoid exploiting the current global situation.
“Ngayon po, ang panawagan ng Pangulo ay magkaisa tayo. Kung ano ang nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East, dapat tayo magkaisa at magtulungan. Hindi tayo kinakailangang maghatakan pababa,” Castro said.
(Today, the President’s call is for us to unite. What is happening in the Middle East right now, we should unite and help each other. We do not need to pull each other down.)
She added that those who take advantage of the crisis could face legal action and possible loss of their licenses to operate.
“Sa mga tao po, hindi dapat kayo magsamantala. Ang gusto ng Pangulo ay magtulungan tayo. Kapag kayo ay nagsamantala, meron kayong kalalagyan. Kayo ay madedemanda at maaari matanggalan pa kayo ng pagkakataon na makapagnegosyo,” Castro said.
(To the people, you should not take advantage. What the President wants is for us to help each other. If you take advantage, there will be consequences. You will be sued and you may even be barred from the opportunity to do business.)
The government is closely monitoring developments in global oil markets as tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt supply and drive up fuel prices worldwide.
