Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered intensified monitoring of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers to prevent hoarding and profiteering amid tight supply.
Nartatez said the directive aims to protect consumers from artificial price increases during the ongoing energy challenges.
“I have directed our local police to heighten monitoring of retailers to prevent hoarding and price manipulation of LPG amid the present energy challenges that we are facing,” he said.
The PNP is coordinating with local government units and concerned agencies to implement measures against hoarding and overpricing.
The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier said it is closely monitoring LPG supply, which may last only up to 24 days based on current inventory and consumption, including incoming deliveries.
While supplies of gasoline and diesel remain sufficient, LPG has the lowest inventory level, the DOE said.
LPG prices in Metro Manila currently range from about P825 to more than P1,000 per standard tank.
Nartatez warned that police will conduct operations and file charges against violators.
“This is not the time to panic, and this should never be the time to take advantage of any of our countrymen. While the national government is exhausting all measures to help, we in the PNP will also make sure that consumers are always protected,” he said.
